Benjamin, 39, Watford
Occupation Council employee
Voting document Conservative the primary couple of instances, however trending extra left wing as he’s received older – now it’s Lib Dem or Labour relying on who’s extra more likely to beat the Tories
Amuse bouche Has been an enormous fan {of professional} wrestling since he was 5. Now he’s received his girlfriend into it
Joyanna, 70, London
Occupation Advisor authorized coach, podcaster and author
Voting document Has by no means voted
Amuse bouche Says she’s the “practically lady” – she practically turned a magnificence queen, a flight attendant, a bunny lady and a Wag
For starters
Benjamin I used to be impressed that she had managed to get to the restaurant even sooner than me – it was good to fulfill a fellow over-punctual individual, as a result of I used to be 20 minutes early.
Joyanna I assumed he’d be older, as a result of a younger man would name himself Ben. My beloved grandfather was Benjamin.
Benjamin I had smoked eel empanada, after which rooster. It was scrumptious.
Joyanna We had a few of one another’s dessert. I didn’t like mine, however his was beautiful.
The massive beef
after publication promotion
Benjamin From what I may inform, she was very anti-immigration of every kind. She strongly believes that we needs to be coaching folks on this nation to do the roles that we have to run the nation higher. She stated her household had come right here as a part of the Windrush technology as a result of they’d been particularly requested for; that was what the nation wanted on the time. She objected to folks coming to the UK who haven’t been invited.
Joyanna Why can’t British folks do the roles that must be stuffed? My feeling is, it’s as a result of they don’t wish to. They don’t seem to be made to wish to. The welfare state has so much to reply for – “You don’t should work, it’s all proper, we are able to dole you out some cash.” I assume that’s the place all of it went improper.
Benjamin I’m in favour of individuals from Europe with the ability to come right here. I don’t need folks risking their lives on small boats after which being caught in an asylum centre, not allowed to work or contribute. It doesn’t make sense to maintain folks in limbo for years. In a super world, authorized routes for migration needs to be administered so folks don’t should threat life and limb.
Joyanna Asylum seekers come by means of completely different international locations earlier than they arrive right here. Why don’t they cease in France? I noticed one thing going by means of the excessive court docket the place dad and mom have been sending youngsters over within the data that this nation will say, “They will need to have their dad and mom with them, so we’ll allow them to in as properly.”
Sharing plate
Joyanna We have been speaking concerning the Southport assassin, and other people calling to carry again the dying sentence, which is nonsense to me. We each disagree with the dying penalty, and really feel a life sentence ought to imply spending longer than 14 years in jail.
Benjamin The topic of drink-driving got here up. I believe the sentences for that needs to be greater; she agreed. I don’t assume folks needs to be in jail in any respect for non-violent, drug-related crimes. I come at it from the standpoint: it’s not society’s job to punish folks, it’s simply to maintain others from hurt.
For afters
Benjamin She didn’t outright say she didn’t imagine within the local weather disaster, however was very occupied with why I assumed local weather change was taking place. I’m not a scientist, however from all I’ve learn, there are local weather disasters taking place all around the world. As I instructed her, I can’t say for positive, however I belief the individuals who say it’s taking place. She did get me to agree together with her that local weather activists have been probably counterproductive, turning folks in opposition to their trigger. I see that. However on the identical time, in the event that they show to be proper, we’re going to appear to be idiots for not listening to Cassandra and as a substitute slinging Cassandra in jail.
Joyanna I stated I didn’t perceive a phrase of it. I’ve by no means understood it. I by no means understood the ozone layer; I’ve by no means discovered anyone who may clarify it to me. I don’t perceive what humankind is doing to make all this distinction. And I suppose the underside line is, I’m not significantly . We’ve at all times had hurricanes and earthquakes and floods, going again to biblical instances.
Takeaways
Benjamin On the stroll to the tube, we chatted about pets. We’re each cat individuals who like canines.
Joyanna We felt that we’d had our voices and views heard. We thanked one another for the corporate and parted with a heat handshake.
Extra reporting: Kitty Drake
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