Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with others in the coming times.
