Tony Blair yesterday extended his campaign to make Britain a leader in the internet revolution by promising a further £1bn to ensure all government services are online by 2005, and 6,000 online centres by 2002, to be placed in shopping centres, libraries, community centres and places of entertainment.

There will be an effort to put the centres in areas of economic deprivation to forestall the so-called digital divide, and they will have extended opening hours to enable people to learn IT skills or pursue interests and hobbies.

Speaking in Loughborough on a tour through the Midlands, the prime minister also announced a brand name - UK On-line - for the campaign.