🔗 Share this article Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives Meeting the Participants First Diner: P., 34, from London Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health Voting record Supported Green last time (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist” Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry Political history Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right” Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing” Initial impressions Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos. Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London. Key disagreements Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned. The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country. Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family. Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion. Sharing plate Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged. Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and values. For afters The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No. Peter In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, 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 appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community. The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.