Samuel, Thirty-Four, London
Occupation PR specialist
Voting record He left the Labour party after long-term membership to join the Greens, his new political home.
Interesting tidbit Is the author of a humorous book exploring the dogs of famous thinkers.
Cat, 24, London
Occupation Formerly worked supporting homeless individuals in a hospital setting.
Political affiliation Her electoral history includes a tactical Liberal Democrat vote followed by a Green vote.
Interesting tidbit Her dissertation was inspired by time spent working in a mortuary after being sent home from university.
The Meeting
Catrina I found him to be wonderfully cheerful and vibrant. He looked sharp in a pink suit he'd worn for his wedding.
Samuel She impressed me immediately. Having recently returned from a four-month Silk Road journey, she sparked my envy. Her intellectual curiosity and conversational skill made the discussion easy.
Catrina The menu was an eclectic fusion, blending German and Korean influences. I chose a hotdog, we shared an oyster, and enjoyed some cocktails.
Samuel I opted for a lobster roll and an oyster starter, dessert was a Korean-style doughnut.
Key Discussion
Catrina The basis for my stance on high immigration levels is the recent net migration statistic. From a worldwide perspective, I believe it's problematic for the UK to recruit skilled professionals from regions experiencing their own talent drains, such as West Africa.
Samuel Her position isn't rooted in xenophobia but in a ethical concern about global brain drain. Our need for foreign doctors and nurses, she feels, exacerbates shortages abroad. I likened it to a well-known comedy routine, which she admitted was a favourite.
Catrina The international student cohort contributes heavily to net migration. Universities, driven by economics, accept them readily. I value diversity deeply, but the present model appears unsustainable.
Samuel I understood her point. But the reason people want to come here is that we have such an amazing higher education system. It’s not international students who are the problem; it’s putting profit before people.
Common Ground
Catrina I agree that aspects of social justice activism have become counterproductive. The focus has shifted excessively to individual guilt over collective, institutional responsibility for issues like sexism, which pushes people away.
Samuel Our thoughts aligned with commentators who see 'wokeness' as a source of division on the left. My philosophy is more straightforward: lead with empathy and respect in all human interactions.
For afters
Catrina Sam was more optimistic than me about the potential for AI and technology. I think social media is really complicating our politics and diminishing people’s quality of life.
Samuel The doom-scrolling trap of social media is real. Yet, I'm inspired by humanity's technological journey, a testament to our quest for knowledge and community. Look at AI's role in advancing early disease detection.
Takeaways
Catrina I got his number. He was such a pleasant individual; I'd definitely welcome another conversation.
Samuel She presented me with a Kazakh postcard showing a stunning mural on an abandoned building. The beauty of it struck me. It inspired a moment of self-reflection about bringing more beauty into the world.
