Writing for the Huffington Post, Sir Peter discussed the challenges the UK faces following the decision to leave the European Union.
Brexit
According to YouGov’s final polling figure published after the EU referendum, there was a huge age divide in how people voted – 71% of 18 to 24 year-olds voted to remain in the EU, whilst 64% of over-65s backed the leave campaign.
There was also a marked difference between those with different levels of education – those with few formal qualifications voted Leave in as great a proportion as graduates voted Remain.
In his Huffington Post article, Sir Peter Lampl said: “Indeed there is a close correlation between the Leave vote and areas with low social mobility, highlighted on the Sutton Trust’s Mobility Map.”
Impact
It will take many years for the full impact of the UK’s decision to leave the EU to be seen, however there have been some changes at the highest levels of government which could have a positive impact on social mobility.
Theresa May’s appointment as PM is significant, as is her choice of Justine Greening as the new Education Secretary.
Speaking in his Huffington Post blog, Sir Peter Lampl said: “I was heartened that Theresa May’s used her first speech as Prime Minister to comment on social mobility. She was absolutely right to highlight the importance of ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities regardless of social background.
“Justine Greening, our new Education Secretary, is someone who has previously supported the Sutton Trust and championed social mobility. In a speech at the launch of the Sutton Scholars in 2014, she said: “social mobility can transform the lives of this country’s young people.”
“It was good to see her (Theresa May) cabinet appointments including so many more comprehensive and grammar-educated ministers, a reflection of the achievements of schools which are attended by 90 per cent of the population.”
Moving forward
It’s imperative that young people in Britain – many of whom wanted to stay in the EU – still have the same opportunities to fulfil their talents, irrelevant of their class or backgrounds.
Comments are closed.