🔗 Share this article Conversing Over the Gap: An Meeting Between Opposing Viewpoints Meeting the Individuals First Diner: Peter, 34, from London Profession Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health Political history Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist” Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow Profession Risk manager in the construction sector Voting record Originally from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right” Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing” Initial impressions Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos. The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital. Key disagreements Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty. Peter He had a metaphor about salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country. Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not 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 family. Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion. Common ground Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted. The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values. Dessert and debate Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? No. Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now. Takeaways Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community. The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.