Brexit Blame and Housing Woes: A Cross-Political Dinner Dialogue
In a unique social experiment, Graham, a 76-year-old property manager from Pangbourne, and Katherine, a 53-year-old university researcher from Bath, sat down for a meal to discuss contentious political issues, including Brexit and the housing crisis. Despite their differing voting records—Graham always Conservative and Katherine historically Labour but now Lib Dem—they found some common ground while sharply disagreeing on key points of responsibility.
The Brexit Debate: A Shared Disaster, Divergent Blame
Both Graham and Katherine agreed that Brexit has been a complete disaster, but they clashed over who was to blame. Graham, a self-described Europhile, expressed disappointment with the referendum result, stating, "I was so disappointed when the result came in." He defended David Cameron, arguing that the former prime minister had a mandate to offer the vote and should not be held responsible for the outcome.
In contrast, Katherine blamed Cameron for his "arrogance" in calling the referendum without expecting to lose, then abandoning his post. She also pointed to Jeremy Corbyn's role, noting that Graham believed Corbyn's ambiguous stance as a Brexiter contributed to the lack of a strong remain campaign. Graham criticized Corbyn for "sitting on the fence" and allowing the Conservative party to fall into a trap, while acknowledging Nigel Farage's effectiveness as a speaker, though Katherine labeled Farage as "vile" for his opportunism.
Affordable Housing: Acknowledging the Crisis with Different Perspectives
On the topic of affordable homes, both participants recognized the housing shortage as a significant issue. Katherine argued that second homes bought by outsiders drive up prices, making it impossible for locals, especially young people, to purchase their first home. She emphasized, "I think it's quite hard now for young people to buy a home."
Graham agreed on the lack of supply causing problems but offered a more personal take, recalling his own struggles at age 22 or 23. He noted, "It was only because I got into a better-paying job that I was able to do it." While sympathetic, he suggested that people might need to move to more affordable areas, such as from Richmond to elsewhere, to enter the property market.
Cultural Clashes: The 'Woke' Divide and Social Decency
The conversation turned to social issues, with Katherine defending the term "woke" as a positive descriptor for non-racist, non-homophobic behavior, criticizing its use as a pejorative. She expressed frustration, saying, "It gets up my nose when scientists working on climate change are called woke."
Graham took a broader view against marginalization, arguing, "As soon as you marginalise somebody, they become a victim." He questioned where to draw the line, mentioning traits like red hair or height, emphasizing inclusivity over division.
Aftermath: A Friendly Encounter with Potential for More
Despite their disagreements, the dinner ended on a positive note. Graham described the meeting as "friendly" and suggested it would be nice to meet as couples in the future. Katherine echoed this sentiment, calling Graham "a very nice man" and noting she had a lovely time. They did not exchange contact information, but the experience highlighted the potential for civil discourse across political divides.
The meal took place at The Circus Restaurant in Bath, part of a series aimed at bridging social and political gaps. This dialogue underscores ongoing tensions in UK politics post-Brexit, while showcasing how personal interactions can foster understanding, even amid deep-seated disagreements.
