The dispute was one reason for the failure of The Hague talks on the Kyoto Protocol last November.

BBC: EU pushes for Kyoto compromise

In a letter to the Guardian, the academics say they can find no other reason for his stance in the industrial dispute with the Unite union.

BBC: BA boss Walsh wants to break union, say 95 academics

In February, Mr Rhodes was suspended but the reason - his involvement in a separate employment dispute - were only revealed when he took the decision to judicial review.

BBC: Lincolnshire

Mr Walker claimed the dispute over whether to divert resources into emergency cases was the real reason for his dismissal.

BBC: Lincolnshire NHS trust denies gagging order

The reason for Mr Rhodes's suspension - over an employment dispute - was only revealed in the judicial review.

BBC: Lincolnshire