Vital humanities

SIR – The report headed “Economy needs workers not more graduates, say peers” (June 11) is a disappointing reflection of the recommendations from the House of Lords economic affairs committee.

The narrative that some subjects are more valuable than others is not a constructive or convincing one. We must not fall into the trap of prioritising some subjects over others: a healthy, prosperous and global Britain needs diversity in its graduates. For example, the skills of humanities and social science graduates are essential to our world-leading creative and financial service industries.

Last weekend, several Fellows of the British Academy, the national academy for the humanities and social sciences, were rightly recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours. The appearance on the list of Simon Schama and Mary Beard shows that historical studies, and the perspectives and wisdom that they bring, are now – and have always been – a vital part of our national life. Professor Sir David Cannadine President, The British Academy London SW1