GERMANY is hatching a plan to take over what is taught in British schools, it was claimed last night.

Politicians in Berlin want to introduce a single European syllabus which will mean children in the UK receiving identical lessons to those across Germany, according to Eurosceptic party UKIP.

The move comes at the start of the German Presidency of the EU as critics accusing them of attempting to shore up their power base.

German Education Minister Annette Schavan said: "National Curricula should not describe what is to be taught but the objectives and outcomes intended. These should be based on an EU framework." But UKIP MEP Tom Wise said: "This is a disgraceful attempt to brainwash.

"This will bring about the airbrushing of history. Can you imagine the Germans setting how we teach the Second World War? I doubt many would think that is acceptable. There are 27 states but what story will they tell our children? There are enough rows about dumbing down without having our syllabus censored by Brussels."

At present, the scheme for a cross-European education policy is the subject of an "initiative report", which sets out goals and ideals. But Mr Wise said: "Here is where it all gets dangerous. After the third reading in Brussels, the committee produces a report which is put to the European Commission - the only EU body with legislative powers.

"Once the Commission passes the proposals, they are then set in law.

In a few years this would come before Parliament but we would not be able to stop them.