Letter: Interactive technology presents challenges and opportunities for students

Sir: It is good to see the Independent focusing attention (Susan Watts, 8 June; Hamish McRae, 9 June) on the opportunities and challenges of interactive technology, and its implications for the economy, education and training.

As the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills increasingly determines both economic performance and individual fulfilment and opportunity, a national initiative is urgently needed to ensure that Britain takes the lead. This must build on the spectacular achievements of the Open University and extensive British expertise in broadcasting, computing, engineering and education.

To this end, Labour has proposed a university for industry, and is currently consulting widely on how to make this idea a reality.

Yours sincerely,

ANDREW SMITH

MP for Oxford East (Lab)

House of Commons

London SW1

9 June