Most newspapers of all persuasions slant their stories towards their readership. It’s what they do. The Mail’s target readership is mainly white, middle class, middle income, middle aged. The way they told this particular story is the way they think it will appeal to that audience. The Sun, The Mirror and the Guardian all do the same in different ways. You buys the paper of your choice and not the ones you don't fancy.
However, one thing among the comments (from Hypognosis) interested me, and AOG has already alluded to it:
“…a privileged background (Air Cadets, Venture Scouts, scuba diving…”
It really sums up why there is a social divide in the UK. I was a Wolf Cub (a sixer) a Boy Scout (a patrol leader), a member of the Air Training Corps (a flight sergeant) and took part in many activities associated with those organisations (camping, gliding, rifle shooting, orienteering, air experience flying in all manner of aircraft). There was nothing remotely “privileged” about my background. My father was a painter and decorator, my mother a wages clerk. But these activities were a part of the lives of many youngsters. We were encouraged to take part by our parents and the benefits we gained from them were enormous.
Today, it seems, only “posh” parents encourage their children towards these activities and this gives the impression that they are only for the privileged. But they are still available to all and do not cost very much. It’s the attitude of today’s youngsters (no doubt heavily steered by their parents) that has changed. Being a Scout, a Guide or an air cadet, with its associated discipline is not “cool”. That’s why so few youngsters take part. It’s nothing to do with privilege but all to do with attitude.