Robin, a 68-year-old solicitor from Essex who leads the English Democrats, and Aslak, a 55-year-old Norwegian software engineer and entrepreneur living in London, met for dinner at Zebrano in Brentwood, Essex, to discuss Brexit, Ukraine, and surveillance.
First impressions and starters
Robin expected a "full-on social justice warrior" but found Aslak different. He shared that his father was in the army, he was born in Malaya, and sent to boarding school at eight. Aslak noted Robin was "dressed nicely, shirt and blazer," almost stereotypically British, and they talked about Vikings, as people often do with Scandinavians. Robin had a prawn starter, Aslak calamari, and they shared a bottle of rioja. For main, both had lamb chops.
Ukraine and foreign policy
Robin argued the UK should not be involved in Ukraine, focusing on national interests rather than "foreign adventures." Aslak countered that the world is globalised, and war in Europe affects everyone, warning that if Russia takes Ukraine, it won't stop. Robin cited broken promises about Nato's eastward expansion and said Putin's argument is understandable from a historical perspective. Aslak replied that even if true, "it isn't today." Robin suggested arming Ukraine if charged, but also Russia, which Aslak called "more like a business model than foreign policy."
Agreement and Brexit
They agreed people should discuss things rationally, and Aslak opposed government surveillance without suspicion, calling it "scary" and bad for democracy. On Brexit, Robin was pleased, saying trade has continued to grow. Aslak said the biggest problem was alienating trading partners and that students no longer come to Britain.
Final takeaways
Robin called Aslak a "proper lefty" but rational, unlike the "wild irrationality" of culture wars. Aslak said they disagreed on most things but it was friendly, adding, "Every rightwing person should have a woke friend and vice versa."
