Internet power plug

Academics have woken up to the political power of electronic media, Internet-based academic network Nexus said this week, writes Phil Baty.

The new government faces an academic community with a louder voice, claimed Nexus co-founder David Halpern, after his left-of-centre think tank rallied the support of more than 300 academics in a message-writing campaign.

"We can use our network to become a powerful, well-organised force," said Dr Halpern, a lecturer at Cambridge University.

The think tank, which has the backing of Labour and the Liberal Democrats, is pushing the idea that a new government is essential "for the future prosperity and regeneration of Britain".

"We believe that this method of political comment is unprecedented in the British context," said Nexus. "This level of activity can be expected to increase further after the general election. It has been a sleeping giant, until now."