In an era of entrenched political opinions, two Londoners from different generations and voting backgrounds sat down for a meal with a simple goal: to talk across the divide. Samuel, a 34-year-old communications professional, and Catrina, a 24-year-old former hospital caseworker, shared oysters, cocktails, and candid conversation at Engel Bar in London.
Opposing Views on Immigration and the 'Brain Drain'
The most substantive part of their discussion centred on UK immigration policy. Catrina expressed concern about current net migration figures, citing the approximate 900,000 figure from 2023. Her primary objection was ethical, focusing on the impact on countries of origin. "I don't think that's an ethical thing to do," she said, referring to the UK recruiting skilled workers like doctors from nations such as those in West Africa, which themselves face skills shortages.
Samuel, who recently left the Labour Party to join the Greens, was quick to clarify that he did not find Catrina's stance unwelcoming or racist. "It's more that she was concerned that by allowing a vacuum in our system... we were creating a brain drain elsewhere," he summarised. He connected her argument to a famous Stewart Lee anti-UKIP sketch which satirises the idea that "the brightest and best should stay in Bulgaria." To his surprise, Catrina revealed it was her favourite piece of the comedian's work.
Catrina also pointed to the significant portion of net migration driven by international students, arguing that financially pressured universities "cannot afford to turn anyone away." While she loves living in a multicultural country, she questioned who ultimately benefits from the current system. Samuel countered by defending the UK's higher education system as a major draw and argued the core issue is "putting profit before people," not the students themselves.
Finding Common Ground on 'Woke' Politics and Social Media
The pair discovered more alignment on the topic of contemporary political culture. Both felt that aspects of so-called 'woke' politics had "gone too far." Catrina critiqued what she sees as an overemphasis on individual action, arguing that racism and sexism are systemic. "Individualising it makes people reluctant to engage," she suggested.
Samuel agreed, referencing commentators like Ash Sarkar and Slavoj Žižek who argue that 'woke' culture can divide the left. For him, the principle is simpler: "You treat human beings as you'd like to be treated, you go through life showing love and respect."
Their views on technology also intersected. Catrina voiced strong concerns that social media algorithms are complicating politics and diminishing quality of life. Samuel acknowledged the point, agreeing that these algorithms can trap users in "doom spirals." However, he struck a more optimistic note regarding AI and technology, highlighting positive advances like more effective cancer screening.
A Hopeful Takeaway from an Unlikely Exchange
Despite their disagreements, the encounter ended on a warmly personal note. The pair exchanged numbers, with Catrina describing Samuel as "a really nice man" she'd like to meet again. Samuel was particularly touched by a gift: a postcard from Kazakhstan Catrina had picked up on her recent four-month trek along the Silk Road. It depicted a lovely mural painted on an unloved, disused industrial wall.
"It left me thinking: 'God, I should have done something thoughtful like that,'" Samuel admitted. Their dinner proved that even amidst serious political divides on issues like immigration, a shared laugh over a Stewart Lee sketch and a moment of human connection can bridge the gap.
