Egalitarianism has always had its opponents. There may always be those who believe that a huge gap between the richest and poorest in society is not only acceptable, but even desirable. However, a new trend over recent weeks shows a renewed surge in the vehemence of those who have rejected the way in which the right has embraced the need - at least theoretically - to reduce inequality within the UK.

The Spirit Level, first published in 2009, is just one of many works which argues that inequality is damaging for individuals, families, the economy and society as a whole. The conclusion of the extensive analysis of Professors Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett of data on 26 health and social problems from 100 countries was that "equality is better for everyone."

The years of robust research carried out not only by Wilkinson and Pickett, but hundreds of other academic studies which confirm their results, demonstrate what one would think is an obvious conclusion, especially at a time when inequalities in life expectancy in the UK are now lower than any point since the 1920s - more equal societies do almost always do better.

Yet some on the right have taken The Spirit Level to be a left-wing plot to force the issue of redistribution up the agenda by using exaggerated evidence - cue indignant sputtering with the words "disgraceful," "my tax money" and "damn lefties" randomly interspersed where you will. However, the work is not a moral crusade, but an evidence-based analysis, supported by the work of economics and sociologists, of why unequal societies are so "dysfunctional."

Both Wilkinson and Pickett have pointed out that their work is not party-political, nor does it have any hidden agenda. With praise for the book coming from UKIP politicians to David Cameron to The Daily Telegraph's economics editor, it is obvious that inequality is a pressing issue across the political spectrum Furthermore, Professors Wilkinson and Pickett insist that "we will talk to anybody about the evidence that inequality is damaging, but will not align with any political party."

The strange coordination of the attacks on The Spirit Level from the right have generated excitement among those who wish to use the arguments put forward to destroy the possible stirrings of a greater will in society to tackle overall inequality.

Yet, when faced with the reasoned argument of Wilkinson and Pickett, the accusations of detractors seem to stumble at the first hurdle - namely that the research used in The Spirit Level is supported by peer-review; that of their critics is not. Another argument used against Wilkinson and Pickett's findings, that varying levels of inequality in US states is the result of the proportion of African Americans present in state populations, has disturbing racial undertones.

In responding to criticisms from Peter Saunders of the Policy Exchange, the Tax Payer's Alliance, and Christopher Snowden's new book Fact Checking The Spirit Level, Wilkinson and Pickett have collated their counter-arguments and published them on The Equality Trust's website. Easily rebutting everything their opponents have thrown at them, the Professors use reasoned thought to refute the claims that inequality has no bearing on how a society functions.

The publication by The Equality Trust is a worthwhile follow-up to a reading of The Spirit Level, even if you are in agreement with the authors. Wilkinson and Pickett's research stands up to the onslaught of their critics and demonstrates, thankfully, that while egalitarianism has its detractors, it also has two strong champions, more than capable of defending its cause.

Gina Byrne, Compass

The responses to questions about The Spirit Level's analysis can be found here, on The Equality Trust's Website, as three separate publications or one single document.