Outcry over MP’s Brexit uni letter
DOWNING Street has distanced itself from a Tory whip’s letter to universities which requested the names of professors teaching about Brexit.
Chris Heaton-Harris, MP for Daventry, faced fierce criticism after the “sinister” request – sent to vice chancellors across the country – came to light.
The Leave campaigner also asked institutions to supply copies of their syllabuses and links to online lectures covering the topic.
Professor David Green, vice chancellor at the University of Worcester, said: “When I read this extraordinary letter on Parliamentary paper from a serving MP, I felt a chill down my spine. Was this the beginnings of a very British McCarthyism?”
Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman told a Westminster briefing that Mr Heaton-Harris had not been acting as a Government representative.
The spokesman said: “What the Prime Minister has always been very clear on is her respect for the freedom and independence of universities and the role they play in creating open and stimulating debate.
“Free speech is one of the foundations on which our universities are built and, of course, it should be protected.”
A copy of the letter from Mr Heaton-Harris states: “I was wondering if you would be so kind as to supply me with the names of professors at your establishment who are involved in the teaching of European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit.
“Furthermore, if I could be provided with a copy of the syllabus and links to the online lectures which relate to this area I would be much obliged.” Prof Green said he had not heard of Mr Heaton-Harris before receiving the letter, but discovered he has previously described himself as a Eurosceptic.
He said: “I realised that his letter just asking for information appears so innocent but is really so, so dangerous.
“Here is the first step to the thought police, the political censor and Newspeak, naturally justified as ‘the will of the British people,’ another phrase to be found on Mr Heaton-Harris’s website.
“Then I thought that only one response was appropriate, which Churchill spoke so brilliantly for all who love Britain and democracy when he said ‘we shall outlive the power of tyranny’ and ‘we shall never surrender.’”
Meanwhile, Conservative Charlie Elphicke said at least £1 billion should be set aside in the Budget to prepare for Brexit regardless of whether a deal is struck.
Elphicke said it would be in the “national interest” for the UK to start investing and preparing for all eventualities, dismissing suggestions it would be “wasted” spending.
The Dover MP added the UK should “insure” against “things going wrong at the last minute” in the Brexit talks by making certain it is “ready on day one”.