A retired software engineer and a planetary scientist disagreed about putting up flags and nationalising private companies, but were they worlds apart on legalising drugs?
Voting record Labour before the last election, where he voted Green, and will stick to Green “if Andy Burnham goes ahead with North Sea oil drilling”
Amuse bouche During university, he worked on a project with Nasa on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. He loved it so much he got a tattoo of Europa on his right shoulder
Voting record Tory “out of habit and upbringing” until Brexit; ever since then, Lib Dem and sometimes Green
Amuse bouche He and his wife went on holiday to Australia in 2003 and met the actor Rob Lowe at their hotel, but had never seen him in anything so didn’t recognise him. When they later asked for a photo, his “jokey condition” was that they watch The West Wing when they got home
Gavin We got on very well. I wouldn’t normally go to a vegan restaurant, but my daughter is vegan and I’ve told her she should go there.
Finley It was extremely enjoyable – my nerves melted away quickly. The food was fantastic, and Gavin and I got along better than I expected.
Gavin I started with roti with three sauces. Then I had chickpea curry with greens, and a beer. It was all very nice.
Finley I started with amazing deep-fried dumplings. Then I had plant-based fish with coconut, lentils and braised tomatoes, and some pineapple and kimchi pholourie, which were almost like pakoras. Fantastic.
Gavin I don’t think the state should try to compete with the open market; the open market is always going to be cheaper, as they will always try to reduce costs.
Finley If you give power to the state to control, for example, utility companies, the service will be provided for the constituents’ benefit, not the shareholders’ benefit.
Gavin We did talk about Thames Water. I think in the case of utilities, state-run companies actually could do a better job than the free market – but they will also be somewhat hamstrung by unions.
Finley We talked about how privatisation essentially ruined a lot of utility companies, because there was no motivation for the shareholders to provide a good service. They just want profits, which is why the CEOs at water companies have been reporting record-high wages as the service worsens.
Gavin I would be in favour of legalising drugs. The tax could provide another revenue stream for the government – plus, it takes away the incentive for crime. I think people should be allowed to do whatever they want as long as they don’t hurt anyone else.
Finley I think if we decriminalise drugs and treat addiction like a healthcare problem, the symptoms suffered by wider society will also be treated – as we’ve seen in Portugal. Instead of spending millions on drug policing, spend it on rehabilitation and healthcare programmes that will target the issue in a more humane manner.
