Dozens of demonstrators linked arms outside the Oxford Union on Thursday evening in an effort to obstruct access to a debate featuring hard-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Among those gathered were campaigners carrying banners urging people to “Stop the Far Right”, with some protesters appearing to be affiliated with the far-left group Antifa and wearing masks and keffiyehs.
Before the event began, chants of “refugees are welcome here” and “racist scum off our streets” rang out from the crowd.
Counter-protesters also assembled near the entrance, waving Union Jack and St George’s flags, while some of Robinson’s supporters were heard chanting, “never trust a lefty with your kids”.
Police set up a cordon between the rival groups in an attempt to keep order and prevent clashes, although witnesses said there had already been pushing, shoving and verbal abuse exchanged.
Across Oxford city centre, some pubs and shops shut early and boarded up their windows, sacrificing trade from World Cup fans as several streets were effectively locked down amid fears of unrest later in the evening.
Daily Mail revealed last month that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had been booked by the 200-year-old debating society to appear on the motion: ‘This House believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam.’
Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, is set to appear alongside fellow hard-right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Scores of protesters are actively trying to block people attending a debate headlined by hard-right activist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union tonight
The campaigners, some of whom are from Far-Left group Antifa and were seen wearing masks and keffiyahs, have arrived in their droves holding up banners calling to ‘Stop the Far Right’
Robinson has been booked by the 200-year-old debating society to appear on the motion: ‘This House believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam’
Attendee Alex Hernandez, a second year law student, told Daily Mail he wanted to see ‘genuinely engaging conversation’ at the event, which starts at 8.30pm.
‘Ultimately the conversation should be had and should be listened to. It starts to get a bit dangerous when people start getting no-platformed’, Hernandez added.
The highly contentious debate was meant to have taken place at an earlier date but was delayed after significant outcry about Robinson’s attendance.
Opposition came from faith leaders including the Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft and founder of the Oxford Foundation Imam Monawar Hussain, who said they were ‘disturbed and saddened’ when he was invited to speak.
Ian McKendrick, vice chairman of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, has accused Robinson of inciting ‘violent race riots’ in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow over the past two weeks.
Mr McKendrick said: ‘They are radicalising tragedies to stir up hate and inspire fear.
‘We cannot stay silent and watch our country descend into chaos and division. Oxford must present a united front and say no to racism, no to fascism.’
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds also spoke out and said Robinson ‘has no place’ in Oxford and accused the union of providing a ‘loudspeaker’ to the far right.
‘It is particularly frustrating to see this event still going ahead, despite the union society being well aware of the extent of local concern about it,’ said Ms Dodds.
The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and staunchly upholds the principle of free speech. It has a long history of inviting controversial figures, including OJ Simpson and former BNP leader Nick Griffin.
In May, Katharine Birbalsingh, head teacher of Michaela Community School in Wembley, accused the Union of ‘disinviting’ her – although officials claimed there had simply been a communication breakdown.
And in 2023, gender-critical feminist Kathleen Stock was allowed to speak at the Union, but had to face down trans activists.
Robinson last spoke at the Union in 2014 where he delivered a standalone address, but he has not taken part in a formal debate before.
In 2013, his invitation to appear at a debate on nationalism was withdrawn over the ‘significant security costs’ involved in hosting him.
Robinson, 43, was recently accused of stirring racial tensions following the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton.
An attempt by an Oxford Union member to direct the president to disinvite Robinson from attending failed last week.
The motion argued that the debate ‘will serve as a rally for Tommy Robinson’ and was not conducive to the ‘future safety of free speech’.
In a statement on Instagram, OU president Arwa Elrayess said she was ‘very much looking forward’ to the debate, where members would have a chance to ‘challenge those speakers’.
Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, is set to appear with fellow hard-right voice, actor Laurence Fox
The motion is being opposed by speakers including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg
Susan Brown, leader of Oxford city council, said she was ‘deeply concerned’ that the event has gone ahead and said the Union should pay for cost of policing the event.
She said: ‘Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. Whilst we are committed to free speech and open debate, that must be balanced against ensuring all our residents can live free from hatred, intimidation and harm.’
The Labour Party councillor added a ‘large-scale security operation’ was being prepared to deal with the event.
‘This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost,’ she said.
‘The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.’
