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Mr Simpson was accused of hysteria and told Britain "belongs to the EU" following his outburst on Twitter. Mr Simpson wrote on the social media site Twitter: “MP wants details of anti-Brexit university teachers. Decent folks deported on technicalities. Daily hate in press. Doesn’t feel like my country now.” It comes after Chris Heaton-Harris, a Tory whip and Leave campaigner, sent a letter to universities requesting the names of professors teaching about Brexit.

GETTY John SImpson has received a backlash for comments he made on Twitter

GETTY Mr Simpson said that Brexit left the UK in a 'worrying' situation

MP wants details of anti-Brexit university teachers. Decent folks deported on technicalities. Daily hate in press. Doesn’t feel like my country now John Simpson

Twitter user Pauline Moorhouse replied to Mr Simpson's tweet: “I was called a fascist by a uni professor because I dared to argue my reasons for voting leave. They were as valid as his. I know he promotes EU.” Kate Busschau said: “Aren’t journalists supposed to deal in facts rather than hysteria? Nothing in Heaton-Harris letter asked about anti-Brexit lectures.” Another social media Tweeter Adrian Cripps said: “That’s the point you deluded Liberal, it ain’t your country, it belongs to the EU. “Thankfully Brexit will reverse this!”

In another tweet, Mr Simpson said: “Don’t assume you know my views on Brexit or politics because you don’t. What upsets me is the current viciousness in British public life.” Mr Simpson, 73, is the world affairs editor of BBC News and has spent all his working life at the BBC.

Anti-Brexit protest ahead of Theresa May's Brexit speech Fri, September 22, 2017 Live photos as anti-Brexit British expats protesting in Florence ahead of Theresa May’s speech Play slideshow EPA 1 of 10 Protesters with placards in Piazza Santa Maria Novella (Santa Maria Novella's Square) for the event of the no Brexit Demonstration, in Florence

The BBC stalwart has previously claimed Brexit has already weakened Britain’s reputation in the world. He has said both Britain with Brexit and America with the election of Donald Trump are now in “disturbing” and “worrying” situations.

MP wants details of anti-Brexit univ teachers. Decent folk deported on technicalities. Daily hate in press. Doesn't feel like my country now — John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) October 24, 2017