In a recent conversation, Julian expressed his disillusionment with the Conservative party, stating, “Having voted Conservative in 2019 primarily to support the ‘Get Brexit Done’ agenda, I will never cast my vote for them again.” Last election, he aligned with the Reform party.
For leisure, Julian is currently enrolled in a beekeeping course, which he intends to pursue upon retirement. His professional background is in the IT sector.
Lawal, originally from Nigeria, moved to the UK in 2022 and has participated in local elections, voting for both Labour and Green parties. He identifies as a liberal, particularly in contrast to the conservative values prevalent in Nigerian society.
As a notable personal trait, Lawal has an impressive ability to remember up to 100 phone numbers without any aids. During their meeting, Lawal and Julian discussed a variety of topics, including cultural and religious matters, as Lawal is also a Muslim. Their dinner featured squid, trout, and lamb, which they enjoyed together.
Julian was aware of Lawal’s affiliation with the Reform party, initially envisioning him as akin to the fiery persona of Nigel Farage. However, he found Lawal to be quite amicable. Julian shared his belief that the UK should implement a freeze on immigration for the foreseeable future, citing concerns over the country’s capacity to absorb newcomers. He emphasized that this situation has negatively impacted youth, as employers often prefer to hire cheap labor rather than invest in training apprentices.
Lawal countered that immigrants are often unfairly blamed in current discussions around immigration policy. He expressed frustration over the negative portrayal of legal immigrants stemming from the actions of a small number of undocumented individuals. He noted that as a contributing member of society who does not receive benefits, it is disheartening to hear claims that immigrants contribute nothing.
Julian acknowledged the significant role immigrants play in the NHS, arguing that its collapse would occur if all migrants were removed, attributing this situation to the unattractiveness of the NHS as a workplace for British citizens. He explained that his daughter, a paramedic, struggles with high student debt and a lack of attractive pay, which discourages local talent from entering the field. He argued that wanting a stable population to address the housing crisis does not equate to a dislike for foreigners or a desire to send immigrants away.
Lawal shared that during their visits to the hospital, they were frequently treated by Nigerian doctors, highlighting the substantial contributions of immigrants in healthcare and technology. He noted that many immigrants come from countries where education is highly valued, filling gaps in the British workforce.
Both men found common ground regarding the situation in Palestine, expressing agreement on the unacceptable actions of the Israeli government and settlers in the West Bank. Lawal stated, “I have a strong disdain for the Israeli government,” and emphasized that critiquing it does not equate to antisemitism. He mentioned that his experience in the UK has led to disillusionment with the Labour party, aligning more closely with the Green party’s stance during the Gaza conflict.
Julian expressed admiration for the Reform party for their boldness, particularly regarding potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He remarked that Labour is increasingly adopting positions similar to those of the Reform party, likening the party’s evolution to a satirical cartoon where Keir Starmer transforms into Nigel Farage over time.
While Lawal identified himself as more left-leaning than Julian, he noted that Julian does not fit the extreme right stereotype commonly associated with Reform voters. He dismissed Farage as a “Trump wannabe” who lacks originality in his approach.
The two spent several hours together, much to the observation of the waitstaff, who seemed to be waiting for them to wrap up. Julian expressed joy in expanding his social circle and exchanged contact information with Lawal, expressing a desire to meet again.
For Lawal, the encounter reaffirmed his belief in the fundamental similarities among people, stating, “We are more alike than we are often led to believe.”
Additional reporting was provided by Kitty Drake. Julian and Lawal dined at The Ship Inn in Langstone. If you are interested in connecting with someone from a different perspective, find out how to participate.
