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Meeting the Participants

One Diner: P., 34, from London

Occupation Former civil servant, now a student studying community health

Political history Supported Green recently (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of patriotic”

Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland

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Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow

Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry

Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”

Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”

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Initial impressions

Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.

Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.

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The big beef

Akshat I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.

The second participant He used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.

The first participant There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.

The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion.

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Common ground

The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, 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 press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.

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Dessert and debate

The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century 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.

Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.

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Final thoughts

Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.

The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.