MP accused of ‘witch-hunt’ after asking for list of Brexit lecturers

A CONSERVATIVE MP has written to all universities asking for details of their teaching on Brexit amid fears students are being brainwashed by Remain-supporting lecturers.

Chris Heaton-harris, a government whip, asked all vice-chancellors if they would supply the names of professors teaching European affairs “with particular reference to Brexit”, together with copies of their syllabus and links to online lectures.

He has faced accusations of “Mccarthyism” from some academics, but supporters said vice-chancellors were guilty of “false outrage” after being “rumbled” for indoctrinating students with their anti-brexit views.

Mr Heaton-harris insisted he was not trying to stifle free speech, but Downing Street distanced the Prime Minister from his actions, saying Theresa May was “very clear” about the importance of universities’ independence.

The MP wrote to university vicechancellors on Oct 3 saying: “I was wondering if you would be so kind as to supply me with the names of professors […] who are involved in the teaching of

‘I suspect what has got them irritated is that they’ve been rumbled. This false outrage doesn’t wash with me’

European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit.” He also asked for copies of syllabuses and online lectures.

Lord Patten, former Conservative Party chairman who is now chancellor of Oxford University, said it was “an extraordinary example of outrageous and foolish behaviour, offensive and idiotic Leninism. But Philip Davies, the Tory MP for Shipley, said Mr Heaton-harris was perfectly within his rights to ask for the information. He said: “Everybody knows universities are not opening the minds of their students; they are just indoctrinating them with the Left-wing political propaganda of the lecturers.

“I suspect what has got them irritated is that they’ve been rumbled. This false outrage doesn’t wash with me.”

Mr Heaton-harris, the MP for Daventry, was appointed Vice-chamberlain of the Household by Theresa May in June, making him the third most senior whip, but the Liberal Democrats have called on Mrs May to sack him for “engaging in a witch-hunt”.

Andrea Leadsom, Leader of the Commons, said she was “surprised” at the reaction of universities to the letter, which contained “nothing sinister”.

No 10 has refused to give Mr Heatonharris any backing.