The five charts that prove John Major is right when he bemoans the 'shocking' levels of inequality in Britain

Former Prime Minister admits he 'failed' to tackle the 'shocking situation' during his five years in power

Former Prime Minister John Major said that refusal by the EU to allow Britain to impose “pragmatic” curbs on freedom of movement would only “inflame resentment” (Getty Images)

Sir John Major made an impassioned call for the rich to play a greater role in ending inequality in Britain on Tuesday night, admitting he had "failed" to tackle the "shocking situation" during his five years as Prime Minister.

He called for a "crusade to widen prosperity more equally," which he said would not only "ease hardship, it will build out national wealth and health".

Too many poor people "not only live meaner lives but shorter lives," he added.

“I have no doubt that much of this disparity is caused by poor lifestyle, poor choices, poor diet – but poor environment, poor housing and poor education must surely be contributory factors," he said. "Whatever the reasons, this is a shocking situation in 2015."

These are the charts that prove he is spot on.

And the poorest households in the UK are losing more of their income in tax than any other income group: