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Conservative MP demands universities reveal names of lecturers teaching about Brexit Conservative MP demands universities give him names of lecturers teaching about Brexit
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A Conservative MP and government whip has written to all UK universities demanding a list of professors who are teaching students about Brexit, prompting an angry backlash from academics.A Conservative MP and government whip has written to all UK universities demanding a list of professors who are teaching students about Brexit, prompting an angry backlash from academics.
Chris Heaton-Harris, a staunch Brexit supporter, was accused of “McCarthyism” after sending the letter to university vice chancellors asking that they send him information on what their lecturers are telling students about Britain's departure from the EU, as well as the names of all staff who are doing the teaching.Chris Heaton-Harris, a staunch Brexit supporter, was accused of “McCarthyism” after sending the letter to university vice chancellors asking that they send him information on what their lecturers are telling students about Britain's departure from the EU, as well as the names of all staff who are doing the teaching.
In the letter, he requested a list of academics “who are involved in the teaching of European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit”. The Daventry MP also asked for a version of every university’s syllabus and even demanded copies of online lectures on Brexit.In the letter, he requested a list of academics “who are involved in the teaching of European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit”. The Daventry MP also asked for a version of every university’s syllabus and even demanded copies of online lectures on Brexit.
He said he “sincerely hopes” universities will be able to provide the information.He said he “sincerely hopes” universities will be able to provide the information.
In response, academics accused the Tory MP of attempting to restrict academic freedom.In response, academics accused the Tory MP of attempting to restrict academic freedom.
Professor David Green, vice chancellor of Worcester University, said the letter was “so dangerous” and a step towards censorship. Professor David Green, vice chancellor of Worcester University, said the letter was “so dangerous” and a step towards censorship. 
He told The Guardian: “This letter just asking for information appears so innocent but is really so, so dangerous.He told The Guardian: “This 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’, a phrase to be found on Mr Heaton-Harris’s website.”“Here is the first step to the thought police, the political censor and newspeak, naturally justified as ‘the will of the British people’, a phrase to be found on Mr Heaton-Harris’s website.”
Others accused the MP of “McCarthyism”, a reference to Cold War-era witch hunts in the US against academics suspected of being communists.Others accused the MP of “McCarthyism”, a reference to Cold War-era witch hunts in the US against academics suspected of being communists.
Professor Kevin Featherstone, head of the London School of Economics (LSE) European Institute, said:  “The letter reflects a past of a McCarthyite nature. It smacks of asking: are you or have you ever been in favour of remain? There is clearly an implied threat that universities will somehow be challenged for their bias.” Professor Kevin Featherstone, head of the London School of Economics (LSE) European Institute, said:  “The letter reflects a past of a McCarthyite nature. It smacks of asking 'Are you or have you ever been in favour of remain?' There is clearly an implied threat that universities will somehow be challenged for their bias.”
Julie Smith, director of the European Centre at Cambridge University, called Mr Heaton-Harris’s letter “profoundly worrying”.Julie Smith, director of the European Centre at Cambridge University, called Mr Heaton-Harris’s letter “profoundly worrying”.
She said: “If it is the case that a politician thinks he should interfere in the content of what universities are teaching and look at syllabi in order to see whether the correct line is being delivered, that is profoundly worrying.”She said: “If it is the case that a politician thinks he should interfere in the content of what universities are teaching and look at syllabi in order to see whether the correct line is being delivered, that is profoundly worrying.”
It is not the first time a Conservative MP has challenged universities on the issue of Brexit. Last year, Bernard Jenkin, a board member of the Vote Leave campaign, filed a complaint to the Electoral Commission after LSE hosted an event at which a speaker said there was “no upside for the UK in Brexit”.  It is not the first time a Conservative MP has challenged universities on the issue of Brexit. Last year Bernard Jenkin, a board member of the Vote Leave campaign, filed a complaint to the Electoral Commission after LSE hosted an event at which a speaker said there was “no upside for the UK in Brexit”. 
Mr Jenkin also accused the university of publishing biased research designed to undermine the case for Brexit. Mr Jenkin also accused the university of publishing biased research designed to undermine the case for Brexit. 
The Independent has contacted Mr Heaton-Harris for comment.The Independent has contacted Mr Heaton-Harris for comment.