Clashes as protesters try to stop Tommy Robinson from debating Islam at Oxford Union

Protests against far-right figure Tommy Robinson are picking up pace in Oxford, where shops and pubs have been boarded up as a precaution.

Part of Oxford is in a lockdown ahead of the controversial debate involving Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is due to discuss Islam at the union.

His invitation to discuss whether the West is ‘right to be suspicious of Islam’ along with Laurence Fox has caused outrage and calls for the talk to be cancelled.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, activist Abdullah al Andalusi and podcaster Michael Doward will oppose the right-wing pair.

Protesters against Robinson’s participation and his supporters have gathered near the union building, which has been cordoned off with crowd control barriers.

Anti-racist groups shouted ‘Oxford is anti-fascist’ and ‘racist scum off our streets.’

An earlier march organized by Stand Up To Racism and other groups was awash with signs against Robinson, with slogans like ‘No Islamophobia, no antisemitism’ and ‘Stop the far-right’ emblazoned on signs.

Robinson supporters carrying Union Jack and St George’s flags had gathered outside the union entrance, separated from the protesters by what appears to be private security staff.

The two camps were seen trying to breach through the security cordon to get to each other.

They shouted abuse like ‘never trust a lefty with your kids’ at the anti-racist protesters.

One attendee at the debate, Alex Hernandez, a second-year law student, said that 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,’ he said.

The MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, accused the union of giving a ‘loudspeaker’ to the far-right through Robinson.

Oxford’s city council has insisted that the union should foot the bill for the security operation surrounding their event.

Leader of Oxford City Council, Susan Brown, said: ‘I am deeply concerned by The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, at its debate on Wednesday.

‘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.

‘Faith leaders and members of our communities have already voiced their strong opposition to this invitation, and I stand with them. I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.

‘A large-scale security operation is being prepared, involving extensive police resources and road closures. This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost. The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.’

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