I am no product of privilege | Letter from Michael Meadowcroft

Catherine Davies makes the mistake of failing to check facts before trying to make a personal example (Letters, 14 November). For what it matters, I had to leave school at 16 as a consequence of my father’s unemployment. I have no A-levels and no first degree but only a master’s degree entirely by research thanks to Bradford University taking the risk of accepting me and the generosity of the then Joseph Rowntree Social Services Trust seconding me from their staff. So, no grant at all and certainly no current income over £25,000. In any case, it is always unjustified to make arguments ad hominem rather than on the principles involved in a case.
Michael Meadowcroft
Leeds

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com