A CONSERVATIVE MP has been criticised for sending a "sinister" letter to universities which requested the names of professors teaching about Brexit.
Chris Heaton-Harris, a Tory whip and Leave campaigner, also asked establishments to supply copies of their syllabuses and links to online lectures covering the topic.
The request was sent to vice chancellors across the country, the Guardian reported.
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?"
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 had not heard of Mr Heaton-Harris, MP for Daventry, before receiving the letter but discovered he had 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'.
"That is my reply to Mr Heaton-Harris MP's sinister letter."
Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner branded Mr Heaton-Harris' actions "unacceptable".
"I hope that Jo Johnson, as the minister for universities, comes right out and clarifies what the government's position is on this because I would hope that's not their current position, because that's a very ignorant position as to how universities are run," she said.
"Quite frankly governments should keep their nose out of how universities teach lessons. I'm sure that students know the difference between indoctrination and the ability to study and learn and challenge perceptions and challenge ideas.
"Professors know what they are doing and quite frankly I think it was an ill-judged comment and remark to make and he should withdraw it."
Professor Kevin Featherstone, head of the European Institute at the London School of Economics, described it as an "offensive query".
