Occupation Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health
Political history Supported Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup he did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade 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, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people regularly whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
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