Lord Buckethead had the perfect response to a ‘McCarthyite’ Eurosceptic Tory MP

John Plunkett. Updated October 24th, 2017

One of the big news stories of the day is a Tory MP who was accused of “McCarthyite” behaviour after writing to university vice-chancellors to demand a list of tutors lecturing on Brexit.

Chris Heaton-Harris was disowned by Downing Street after the thoroughly weird episode which was described as “offensive and idiotic Leninism”.

But the best response came from Lord Buckethead – you remember, he stood against Theresa May in the general election.

I have just sent this letter to your Houses of Parliament, in response to a letter that an MP has sent to universities from your Parliament. pic.twitter.com/iSqVZ3mFso

— Lord Buckethead (@LordBuckethead) October 24, 2017

And in case you can’t read it:

“Chris,

I was wondering if you could be so kind as to supply me with the names of parliamentarians at your establishment who possess even an iota of skill in the handling of European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit.

Furthermore, may I suggest that rather than wasting the time of University vice chancellors, you would be better served assisting both your party and the national interest by concentrating what influence you have in attempting to avoid the imminent economic crisis into which current government policy appears destined to plunge your constituents in Daventy and the United Kingdom as a whole.

If you could stop pestering education professionals with pathetic requests, your planet will be much obliged. I sincerely you you are able to provide them with such and I loo forward to watching you change course.

Your interstellarly, Lord Buckethead. Intergalactic Space Lord.”

Here was the original letter sent out by the Tory whip.

Here’s what he asked for.

“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 looks to the online lectures which relate to this area I would be much obliged.”

And his subsequent hilarious attempt to distance himself from it, which no-one was buying whatsoever.

To be absolutely clear, I believe in free speech in our universities and in having an open and vigorous debate on Brexit.

— Chris Heaton-Harris (@chhcalling) October 24, 2017

"To be absolutely clear"

Translation: I fucking fucked up, now I'm fucking backtracking like fuck. Fuuuuuck. https://t.co/kYxB9zqelP

— Dannyboy (@OiDanniboy) October 24, 2017

To be absolutely clear, you asked for a list of names of Profs teaching Brexit. Plus a copy of their syllabi and links to lectures. Why? https://t.co/3Es8CLYMVa

— Prof Tanja Bueltmann (@cliodiaspora) October 24, 2017

To be absolutely clear. You need to admit exactly what the desired outcome of your letter was and what you were REALLY asking for.

— Mama PumpKin 🎃 (@Mama_Kin_) October 24, 2017