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A Government whip sparked a furious backlash today by writing to universities asking for a list of professors lecturing on Brexit and details on what they are teaching.

Staunch Brexiteer Chris Heaton-Harris also requested links to online lectures on Britain’s departure from the EU. The demands were met with a wave of condemnation from academics. Downing Street swiftly distanced itself from Mr Heaton-Harris’s comments, insisting they were made in his role as an MP rather than as a Government representative.

Universities minister Jo Johnson stressed the importance of “academic freedom” while another MP warned against a “witch-hunt”. Professor Kevin Featherstone, head of the European Institute at London School of Economics, 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?’”

Professor David Green, vice-chancellor of Worcester University, denounced the “sinister” letter, saying: “Here is the first step to the thought police, the political censor and newspeak, naturally justified as ‘the will of the British people’.”

A pro-Brexit academic criticised Mr Heaton-Harris, who is MP for Daventry and a former MEP. Lee Jones, reader in international politics at Queen Mary University of London, said: “It is really troubling that an MP thinks it is within his remit to start poking his nose into university teaching.

“Universities are autonomous and politicians have no right to intimidate academics by scrutinising their courses. I have colleagues who are die-hard Remainers. But I know what they teach and it is not propaganda.”

In his letter, on House of Commons notepaper, Mr Heaton-Harris wrote to universities: “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.”

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “My understanding is Chris Heaton-Harris wrote to universities in his capacity as an MP, not as a representative of the Government.” Theresa May respected the freedom of universities, the spokesman added.

Mr Johnson tweeted: “Academic freedom — which we’ve just entrenched in statute in Higher Ed & Research Bill 2017! — is core to success + better protected than ever.”

Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran said: “Conservative Brexiteers know they have lost the intellectual debate and now appear to be engaging in a witch-hunt.” Mr Heaton-Harris’s office and the Conservative Party did not respond to requests for comment.

Donald Tusk today urged the 27 EU nations to stay united on Brexit talks, warning that division will “end in our defeat”. Updating MEPs on last week’s Brussels summit, the European Council president threw the ball back into Britain’s court, saying: “It is in fact up to London how this will end: with a good deal, no deal or no Brexit.”