Protesters linked arms and actively tried to block people attending a debate on Islam headlined by far-Right activist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union tonight.
Several hundred campaigners, some of whom were from the far-Left group Antifa and were seen wearing masks and keffiyehs, have arrived in their droves outside the venue holding up banners calling to ‘Stop the Far Right’ and shouting, ‘Oxford Union, shame, shame’.
They also chanted ‘refugees are welcome here’ and ‘racist scum off our streets’ ahead of the much-anticipated event.
Protesters took to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street, occupying either side of St Michael Street where the event is taking place.
A smaller number of counter-protesters also gathered at the entrance doors of the building carrying Union Jacks and St George’s flags. Robinson’s supporters were heard chanting, ‘never trust a lefty with your kids’.
Police placed a cordon to separate the two groups and prevent violence, though bystanders reported seeing pushing and shoving between the protesters, while also hurling slurs at one another.
A minor incident took place on Cornmarket Street in which protesters booed police officers, and a couple of demonstrators appeared to throw water at them.
Pubs and shops in Oxford city centre closed early and boarded up windows – losing trade from World Cup fans – while whole streets were put into lockdown amid warnings of potential unrest to follow.
Oxford City Council said earlier today that St Michael Street would be closed while the event is ongoing.
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 far-Right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi.
Scores of protesters actively tried to block people attending a debate headlined by far-Right activist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union tonight
Protesters linked arms in an attempt to stop people hearing Tommy Robinson on Wednesday
The campaigners, some of whom are from far-Left group Antifa and were seen wearing masks and keffiyahs, 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’. Pictured: The activist (left) was seen arriving at The Oxford Union
There were clashes between far-right and far-left campaigners outside the Oxford Union
A minor incident took place on Cornmarket Street in which protesters booed police officers, and a couple of demonstrators appeared to throw water at them
Counter-protesters arrived at the building carrying Union Jacks and St George’s flags
The highly contentious debate was meant to have taken place at an earlier date but was delayed after significant outcry about Robinson’s attendance. Pictured: Protesters hold up banners for Stand Up To Racism Oxford
Anti-raqcism protesters chanted ‘refugees are welcome here’ and ‘racist scum off our streets’
Police officers were out in force to help keep the peace between the two groups
Attendee Alex Hernandez, a second year law student, told Daily Mail he wanted to see ‘genuinely engaging conversation’ at the event, which started 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.
However Green Party local councillor Chris Jarvis, who was taking part in the protest, said: ‘The Oxford Union should never have invited him. Everyone is entitled to free speech.
‘What they are not entitled to is a platform and the Oxford Union has chosen to platform far-right figures.’
Meanwhile Rees-Mogg took to social media before the debate started to complain that people were being ‘blocked’ from entering the building.
In a plea to police, he wrote on X: ‘Please could the Thames Valley Police allow people into the Oxford Union. Protesters are blocking the entrances while law and order is not being upheld.’
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’.
Pubs and shops in Oxford city centre closed early and boarded up windows – losing trade from World Cup fans – amid warnings of potential unrest
Campaigners were seen linking arms to stop people from accessing the Oxford Union
Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, is set to appear alongside fellow far-Right voice and 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.’
Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Wednesday night: ‘We work closely with a range of partners through well-established, safety advisory structures to ensure events take place safely and smoothly, while minimising disruption to our communities.
‘We support freedom of speech and are working with the Oxford Union and other local stakeholders to facilitate this event and any associated peaceful protest.’
