Protesters gathered in Oxford tonight (Image: Getty)
Two groups gathered in Oxford city centre on Wednesday evening ahead of an Oxford Union event featuring far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The debating society previously announced it would be hosting a debate entitled 'The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam', featuring Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – alongside former actor Laurence Fox.
More than 100 people protesting Robinson's appearance took to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street this evening, standing on either side of St Michael Street where the event took place. Many were carrying Stand Up to Racism placards and were heard chanting slogans such as “Oxford Union, shame, shame”. They were countered by a smaller number of counter-protesters carrying Union flags, who gathered on Cornmarket Street in support of Robinson.
The two groups were separated by a large police cordon, and numerous officers were present across the area to monitor the protest.
Among those in Oxford to support Robinson was Philip, 65, who told the Oxford Mail he had travelled from Winslow to see the activist. He said: "I came here hoping to see Tommy Robinson but was disappointed to find it was ticketed."
He said he also brought his son, 27, as he heard Robinson would be speaking about social media.
Green Party local councillor Chris Jarvis told AFP: "The Oxford Union should never have invited him".
Oxford City Council previously said St Michael Street would be closed while the event is ongoing.
The council said: “St Michael’s Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians between 4pm and 11pm on Wednesday June 17 due to an event at the Oxford Union. A small number of bus routes will operate slight diversions, but no bus stops are affected. No other road closures are planned.”
Shops and some pubs in the area have also reportedly closed early because of the event and protests.
Speaking to ITV Meridian, Edward Whinney, Manager of the White Rabbit in Friars Entry, said he had decided to close at 4pm.
Protesters gathered against Robinson's attendance at the debate (Image: Getty)
He said: "For us, it has really been a judgment call on how we keep all of our staff and our customers safe."
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.”
Participants in the debate who opposed Robinson included former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi.
Rees-Mogg released a YouTube video on Wednesday afternoon explaining why he believes the union is “right” to host Robinson for a debate.
He said: “I think the best way to answer him is to debate with him. You see, if I just ignore him he won’t go away, he won’t lose his following and people will just say people like me are scared.”
He added that the Oxford Union would be a “pointless society” without free speech and that it “exists to argue”.
News of Robinson's attendance prompted opposition last month 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.
The Oxford Union is not part of Oxford University, and has traditionally been seen as a prestigious platform, which previously hosted, among others, the Dalai Lama and Queen Elizabeth II.
Oxford Union has been contacted for comment.
