Martin R., 28, Bristol.
Occupation Currently studying for a Ph.D. in political theory.
voting record I have voted for centre-left parties in France and Spain. He can't vote in the UK but would probably vote for the Green Party if he could
amuse bush Despite having dual French and Spanish citizenship, he has never lived in either country, was born in Belgium and has been based in the UK for 10 years.
Martin P., 68, Bristol.
Occupation Retired ship draftsman
voting record He describes himself as center-right, but has no political affiliation. He recently voted Labor for a local council candidate, but voted Conservative in local elections. referendum to leave the EU
amuse bush He once threw himself out of a plane with a man strapped to his back. After visiting many theme parks with friends, he decided this was the next logical step.
For beginners
Martin P. Since we arrived a little early, we ordered a sherry, even though it was a tapas restaurant, so to speak, as we are in Spain. When Martin arrived, it was discovered that he had Spanish ancestry, and he had some Spanish as well.
Martin R. Bristol has historically been a big importer of sherry, so it's interesting that I ended up in a place that connects with my roots.
Martin P. I found him to be very easy to talk to, well educated, and knowledgeable about the world.
Martin R. Martin talked about coming out as gay when he was married as a straight man and had a daughter. It was very moving.
big beef
Martin P. We joined the European Convention on Human Rights, but I said that went too far. It is used as a withdrawal clause. There are foreign criminals who claim the right to a family life because they have had relationships with women in this country, but they are not deported. He asked if British criminals were abroad, do you think they would come back? I absolutely said it should be fair to everyone.
Martin R. It is good to have supranational guarantees of rights. Since the UK left the EU, my rights such as work and healthcare are no longer guaranteed by the country I live in. However, I am glad that if my rights are recognized, I may be able to appeal to a higher authority than the British state. I was threatened.
After newsletter promotion
Martin P. Sometimes it seemed as if the case would be decided in the UK, sent to the European Court of Human Rights, and then overturn the decision on arbitrary grounds – although I don't want to state my opinion. Point your finger – they were punishing Brexit.
Martin R. Even if you disagree with an individual decision made by the court, I don't think that is a reason to overturn it. Whether a bill comes from Brussels, Strasbourg or Westminster, people will find a way to game the system.
share plate
Martin P. We both feared the rise of the far right in Europe and the return of President Trump. Strangely, I was more optimistic. Throughout my life, I have seen the rise and fall of everything.
Martin R. We differed on certain issues – he's a bit more authoritarian and enthusiastic about the future – but we both have a distrust of abuse of power and a similar sense of justice. I was there.
for after
Martin P. I use my phone and tap everything. Martin explained that he was using cash more. I'm moving forward and embracing technology, and he's actually taking a little step back from that.
Martin R. I prefer to use cash. If information about all my payments is available and that data makes people money, why give it away for free? I don't agree with the idea that it should be exposed. I thought about signing up for a landline instead of a cell phone, but then you can't even log in to email these days without multi-factor authentication.
takeout
Martin R. I expected him to have views more in line with stereotypes about people who voted for Brexit by abolishing the Human Rights Act. It's a product of the fact that we don't meet people with whom we disagree in real life.
Martin P. We were there for over 3 hours. It all ended with a continental hug. I said, “Are you a hugger?” Because that's not necessarily the norm for men of my generation. It would be nice to see you again.
Additional Report: Kitty Drake
