Conservative commentator Darren Grimes wants to discuss how white working-class boys are “falling behind” their peers. I’m from a working class background here’s a brief description of how I managed to keep up with my peers. https://twitter.com/darrengrimes_/status/1342775159351078913

When I was at sixth form, I received Education Maintenance Allowance. This was introduced by Labour and I got £30 a week so long as I attended sixth form. The coalition government scrapped this after I left.

When I went to uni, I got a maintenance *grant* from student finance England to help with living costs. The Conservative government scrapped these so all students receive now is a loan.

Also at uni, I received a scholarship because of my high academic performance but I also got a bursary for coming from a disadvantaged background. The uni I attended no longer gives out the level of support I received.

I am also dyslexic and when I got to university I received equipment and technology to assist with my learning needs (DSA). This was also cut by the Conservative government.

Along side working part time, I made it because I was supported with EMA, bursary’s, scholarships, grants, & DSA. The Conservatives have scrapped all these. Pundits have the gall to say working class boys have “fallen behind”. Frankly, they have been left to rot by Conservatives.

The point is, given the Conservatives record above, I have reason to doubt the sincerity of Darren’s concern for working class boys university attainment.

His crocodile tears for the working class are not to introduce measures to support this group either. Instead, he is using working class disadvantage to deny support to ethnic minorities who also face disadvantage. He wants no one to be supported. Equally disadvantaged.