Readers respond to Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that having a UK university degree is no longer a ‘passport to social mobility’

Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that the UK has a “surfeit” of graduates and that degrees have shifted from a “passport” to a mere “visa” for social mobility is misleading ( UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor, 3 January ).

Social mobility is not solely about having a degree. It is rooted in class, region, race, prejudice, discrimination and socioeconomic status, a consequence of which is what Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman’s research shows as a “class ceiling” in action. This concept privileges those from higher socioeconomic groups when graduates are seeking employment. A good job is central to increasing social mobility. If access to this is barred by prejudice and discrimination, social capital reduces, and this strangles social mobility.

Readers respond to Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that having a UK university degree is no longer a ‘passport to social mobility’

Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that the UK has a “surfeit” of graduates and that degrees have shifted from a “passport” to a mere “visa” for social mobility is misleading ( UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor, 3 January ).

Social mobility is not solely about having a degree. It is rooted in class, region, race, prejudice, discrimination and socioeconomic status, a consequence of which is what Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman’s research shows as a “class ceiling” in action. This concept privileges those from higher socioeconomic groups when graduates are seeking employment. A good job is central to increasing social mobility. If access to this is barred by prejudice and discrimination, social capital reduces, and this strangles social mobility.

Readers respond to Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that having a UK university degree is no longer a ‘passport to social mobility’

Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that the UK has a “surfeit” of graduates and that degrees have shifted from a “passport” to a mere “visa” for social mobility is misleading ( UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor, 3 January ).

Social mobility is not solely about having a degree. It is rooted in class, region, race, prejudice, discrimination and socioeconomic status, a consequence of which is what Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman’s research shows as a “class ceiling” in action. This concept privileges those from higher socioeconomic groups when graduates are seeking employment. A good job is central to increasing social mobility. If access to this is barred by prejudice and discrimination, social capital reduces, and this strangles social mobility.

Stripping her of British citizenship set a dangerous precedent, argues Dr Alexander Smith

Peter Walker’s analysis of the stakes in the Shamima Begum case before the European court of human rights gives voice to fears I and no doubt many other dual nationals living in the UK harbour ( Ministers cannot go on ignoring the Shamima Begum case, for two important reasons, 2 January ).

I am an Australian citizen who has lived in the UK for half my life and was naturalised as a British citizen almost 20 years ago. I obey the law, work, pay taxes and do not claim any benefits. For people in my position, stripping Ms Begum of her British citizenship set a dangerous precedent.

Stripping her of British citizenship set a dangerous precedent, argues Dr Alexander Smith

Peter Walker’s analysis of the stakes in the Shamima Begum case before the European court of human rights gives voice to fears I and no doubt many other dual nationals living in the UK harbour ( Ministers cannot go on ignoring the Shamima Begum case, for two important reasons, 2 January ).

I am an Australian citizen who has lived in the UK for half my life and was naturalised as a British citizen almost 20 years ago. I obey the law, work, pay taxes and do not claim any benefits. For people in my position, stripping Ms Begum of her British citizenship set a dangerous precedent.

Stripping her of British citizenship set a dangerous precedent, argues Dr Alexander Smith

Peter Walker’s analysis of the stakes in the Shamima Begum case before the European court of human rights gives voice to fears I and no doubt many other dual nationals living in the UK harbour ( Ministers cannot go on ignoring the Shamima Begum case, for two important reasons, 2 January ).

I am an Australian citizen who has lived in the UK for half my life and was naturalised as a British citizen almost 20 years ago. I obey the law, work, pay taxes and do not claim any benefits. For people in my position, stripping Ms Begum of her British citizenship set a dangerous precedent.

• Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona spells the end

• Madrid are four points off Catalan club at top of La Liga

Xabi Alonso has left his job as coach of Real Madrid, only seven months after arriving for his first day at the club’s Valdebebas training ground. A brief statement announced his departure “by mutual consent” on Monday evening after Madrid’s 3-2 defeat in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona the previous night.

He will be replaced, at least in the short term, by his former Real Madrid and Liverpool teammate and friend Álvaro Arbeloa, who was coach of Castilla, Madrid’s B team.

• Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona spells the end

• Madrid are four points off Catalan club at top of La Liga

Xabi Alonso has left his job as coach of Real Madrid, only seven months after arriving for his first day at the club’s Valdebebas training ground. A brief statement announced his departure “by mutual consent” on Monday evening after Madrid’s 3-2 defeat in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona the previous night.

He will be replaced, at least in the short term, by his former Real Madrid and Liverpool teammate and friend Álvaro Arbeloa, who was coach of Castilla, Madrid’s B team.

• Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona spells the end

• Madrid are four points off Catalan club at top of La Liga

Xabi Alonso has left his job as coach of Real Madrid, only seven months after arriving for his first day at the club’s Valdebebas training ground. A brief statement announced his departure “by mutual consent” on Monday evening after Madrid’s 3-2 defeat in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona the previous night.

He will be replaced, at least in the short term, by his former Real Madrid and Liverpool teammate and friend Álvaro Arbeloa, who was coach of Castilla, Madrid’s B team.