Peter Hitchens, a columnist for the Mail on Sunday, has accused Labour politicians of hypocrisy regarding state school admissions. He alleges they are exploiting a “well-hidden privilege” to secure places in prestigious state schools while publicly criticizing private education.

Accusations of a 'Well-Hidden Privilege'

Hitchens voiced his concerns on the ‘Alas Vine & Hitchens’ podcast, highlighting what he sees as a contradiction in the actions of Labour figures. He claims these politicians are actively maneuvering to get their children into highly sought-after state schools despite their public opposition to private schooling.

Case of a 'Labour Power Couple'

Hitchens cited the example of a “Labour power couple” who invested in a multi-million pound property within the catchment area of a prominent North London girls’ school. This strategic move, he argues, provided their daughter with a pathway to Oxford University and a successful career, mirroring the advantages traditionally associated with private education.

Broader Trends and Social Mobility

The critique extends beyond individual instances, with Hitchens pointing to a wider trend of middle-class parents strategically utilizing the state education system. He suggests that initiatives like Alan Milburn’s social mobility campaigns and Ofsted inspections have inadvertently reinforced a system where access to quality state education is determined by location and financial means.

De Facto Selective Schools

Hitchens identified several London schools, often with religious affiliations, that function as de facto selective institutions. These schools attract children from the left-wing elite, who then gain admission to top universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

Parallel to Soviet-Era Moscow

To illustrate his point about “disguised privilege,” Hitchens drew a comparison to his time as a foreign correspondent in Moscow during the late Soviet period. He recounted securing a luxurious apartment through connections within the Soviet elite, a residence previously occupied by families of high-ranking officials like Leonid Brezhnev and Yuri Andropov.

Exclusive Access and Amenities

Despite appearing as a standard Soviet dwelling, the apartment offered amenities and access unavailable to the general population, such as a guaranteed vodka ration during times of scarcity. He also described the Kremlin clinic, shielded from public view, as a symbol of exclusive healthcare for the ruling class.

Hitchens argues that this Soviet example mirrors the current situation in Britain, where privilege is often concealed behind a facade of equality, allowing those in power to benefit from advantages not accessible to everyone.