I was appalled to read Peter Mullen’s regrettable tirade, “Education – a privilege not a right” (Echo, Dec 14).

I am an MA student studying politics, and I attended two peaceful protests in Durham against the rise in tuition fees.

I will not have to pay the astronomical fees that are being introduced, but I stand against them; not through self-interest but in the interests of Britain and its youth.

Europe and Britain are in danger of losing their place as leading economic powers.

Countries such as China, Brazil and India offer lower production costs in industries where Britain once led, and Britain cannot compete under such conditions.

The solution to this problem is seen as promoting a “knowledge economy”, based around a highly-skilled workforce capable of delivering quality, high-tech services and solutions.

Without a competitive economy Britain will slide into decline. Therefore, maintaining a competitive knowledge-based economy will benefit the country as a whole.

Unpopular as this view may be, “Mickey Mouse” courses such as media studies actually help Britain to diversify its economy and develop a growing services and entertainment sector which is worth billions to the UK economy.

Daniel Childs, Shildon.