Readers' reactions

Last week in The THES... Nick Crossley wrote that student protests are no more, especially in Manchester

Keith Flett, London. Nick Crossley's view that student radicalism is a thing of the past is not backed up by empirical data. I am in favour of empiricism when it comes to measuring radicalism and I have some data of my own.

On several occasions last year, as the convenor of the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, I was unable to lead the attendees to our usual post-seminar debriefing in a nearby student bar because it was occupied by protesting students. I also seem to recall a large and militant demonstration against student fees.

A similar protest is planned in central London in November. Perhaps Mr Crossley would care to join me. We can compare notes on student radicalism and see if we can spot any banners from Manchester.