Brexit snobbery row: MP Barry Sheerman claims 'better educated people voted Remain'

Barry Sheerman: The Labour MP's comments came in a row over a letter sent to universities asking for information on Brexit courses
Barry Sheerman
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A Labour MP has been accused of snobbery after he claimed “better educated people” voted to remain in the European Union.

Barry Sheerman, MP for Huddersfield, in west Yorkshire, argued that “nearly all university towns voted Remain” during the June 2016 Brexit referendum.

The politician, whose constituents voted to Leave in last year’s vote, was lambasted for his comments, with Conservative MP Pudsey Stuart Andrew accusing him of snobbery.

Mr Sheerman’s remarks came during a discussion over a letter sent to universities by Tory MP Chris Heaton-Harris, which asked for the names of professors teaching Brexit courses.

Speaking to the BBC, the Labour MP said sending the letter was an attempt to “frighten campuses”.

Mr Andrew later admitted that sending the letter was “probably not” the best option, but denied it was an attempt to intimidate lecturers.

He said Mr Heaton-Harris was “genuinely trying to find out what was being discussed in our universities”.

But Mr Sheerman said: “This man [Mr Heaton-Harris] who went to Wolverhampton Polytechnic, who does he think he is, trying to frighten my university in Huddersfield?

“The truth is that when you look at who voted to remain, most of them were the better educated people in our country.”

Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris was accused of sending a 'sinister' letter to universities.
PA

Responding to the claims, Mr Andrew said he was “astounded by this snobbery”.

After making the remarks, Mr Sheerman wrote on Twitter: “Pleased that my comments @BBCLookNorth on link between Brexit support & lower educational attainment has stimulated debate.”

It came after Mr Heaton-Harris, a Government whip, sparked a furious backlash by writing to professors asking for details on what they are teaching in Brexit classes.

The Staunch Brexiteer also requested links to online lectures on Britain’s departure from the EU.

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