BNP exploits the web

The far-right British National Party is the most web-savvy UK political party, a new report has revealed.

Issued by the Centre for Policy Studies, the report claims that the majority of MPs from the three main political parties are not exploiting the full potential of the internet to get their message and policies across.

The report, called Politics, Policy and the Internet, predicts the internet will revolutionise politics in the 21st century in the same way that television and radio did in the previous century.

Remarkably, the report revealed that as many people visit the BNP's website as visit the official sites of the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats combined.

Robert Colvile, author of the report, said this was "startling evidence of the failure of the main political parties to exploit the potential of the web". He said that politicians need to better understand how to exploit the potential of the internet by learning from the activities of bloggers, activists and campaign groups.

In comparison, politicians in America are far more in tune with internet politics – especially when it comes to fund raising.

According to the report, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama raised $32m (about £16m) in one month, with all but $4m (about £2m) coming from online donations.

Presidential contenders in the US have already conducted debates on YouTube, while internet videos have become a staple means of addressing millions of voters.

Mr Colvile said the web could re-empower MPs, letting them grasp the opportunity to engage with constituents through the internet.

http://www.cps.org.uk