Samuel, 34, London
Occupation PR specialist
Voting record Was a Labour party member from the age of 16, resigned three months ago and joined the Green party. Intends to vote Green in future.
Interesting tidbit Has published a very silly book about philosophers’ dogs.
Catrina, Twenty-Four, London
Profession Between jobs, her last role was as a caseworker aiding homeless patients.
Political affiliation Has voted in two elections – Lib Dem, tactically, when she lived in south Gloucestershire; then Green.
Interesting tidbit During the pandemic university closure, she took a job in a mortuary, which later informed her academic thesis.
First Impressions
Catrina He was incredibly smiley, very bubbly and effervescent. He was wearing a fetching pink suit, which was his wedding suit.
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 had a lobster roll and an oyster, followed by a Korean doughnut.
The big beef
Catrina My view on excessive immigration references the 2023 net migration figure of around 900,000. My concern is global: the UK actively recruits from nations like those in West Africa that themselves face critical skills shortages. I question the ethics of this approach.
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 A lot of net migration comes from an international student base, and universities cannot afford to turn anyone away. I absolutely love living in a multicultural country, but this doesn’t benefit anyone.
Samuel Her perspective made sense. Yet, the allure of our prestigious education sector is undeniable. The fault lies not with overseas students, but with a framework that values financial gain above all else.
Common Ground
Catrina On so-called 'woke' culture, I believe it has overreached. My criticism is that it often focuses too much on personal behaviour rather than systemic change. Problems like racism are embedded in society; making it purely individual can deter people from the conversation.
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.
Dessert
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 I can't deny the negative spiral social media can create. However, I focus on technology's historical trajectory—centuries of innovation driven by our innate curiosity and need for connection. AI, for instance, is revolutionising medical diagnostics like cancer screening.
Parting Thoughts
Catrina We exchanged numbers. He was a really nice man, I’d love to catch up with him again.
Samuel Her gift was a postcard from Kazakhstan, depicting a beautiful mural painted on a derelict industrial wall. I found it profoundly moving. It made me reflect on my own capacity for such thoughtful gestures.
