🔗 Share this article Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives Meeting the Individuals One Diner: Peter, 34, London Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic” Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre” Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated” Initial impressions The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos. Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for London. The big beef Akshat I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned. The second participant He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation. The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family. The second participant We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity. Sharing plate The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted. Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics. Dessert and debate The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible 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 funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No. The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities. Final thoughts Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community. The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.