New analysis has found that the wealth gap in British society is at its widest since World War II.

The National Equality Panel has conducted a compelling research project over 16 months. It is not big news that Britons do not benefit from genuine equality of opportunity (and to be frank, who can name a country where you actually find this?). Still, the new report scrutinises Britain's social structures in almost painful detail.

While all major parties are committed to promoting social mobility, they appear to brush aside an overarching question: is a government actually fully accountable for social mobility?

Surely, political decisions may help enhance a society's overall chances. Nevertheless, is politics powerful enough to create a more cohesive society? Today's revelations show that the UK is still disjointed by class from cradle to grave despite much effort and financial investment from all political sides.

So a debate on whether New Labour has failed to deliver social mobility, or on whether the real origins of today's society are found in malfunctioning 1980s Tory policy, might just lead to nothing. British society may have to uncover, accept and discuss deeper rooted reasons for the chasm between the rich and poor.

Both the political and public sphere seem to underestimate a crucial point. Genuine social mobility is not just implemented from above. It only works if it is embraced from within society as well.

Today's findings should be a clear warning for all political camps. To suggest there is no social ladder is just whitewash.