Protesters wearing keffiyehs link arms to try to block people from attending Tommy Robinson’s visit to Oxford Union – as pubs board windows and close early amid warnings of ‘unrest’

Scores of protesters have linked arms and are actively trying to block those taking part in tonight’s debate at the Oxford Union, headlined by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Campaigners, some from far-left group Antifa and seen wearing masks and keffiyehs, arrived in droves carrying signs calling to ‘Stop the Far Right’.

They also chanted “refugees are welcome here” and “racist scum on our streets” ahead of the highly anticipated event.

A number of counter-protesters also arrived at the building’s entrance gates, carrying Union Jacks and St George flags. Robinson’s supporters were heard chanting: “Never trust a left-handed person with your children.”

Police set up a cordon to separate the two groups and prevent violence, but bystanders reported seeing shoving and shoving between protesters and also insulting each other.

Pubs and shops in Oxford city center closed early and their windows were boarded up, losing trade to World Cup fans. Meanwhile, all streets were quarantined due to warnings of possible unrest.

The Daily Mail revealed last month that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had been appointed by the 200-year-old debating society to take part in the motion: ‘This House believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam.’

Robinson, founder of the English Defense League, will appear alongside far-right extremist Laurence Fox, who is opposed by others including former Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Campaigners, some from the far-left group Antifa and seen wearing masks and keffiyah, arrived in droves carrying banners calling to ‘Stop the Far Right’.

Robinson was named by the 200-year-old debating community to take part in the motion: ‘This House believes that the West is right to be suspicious of Islam’. Picture: Activist (left) seen arriving at The Oxford Union

Pubs and shops in Oxford city center closed early and windows boarded up amid warnings of possible unrest, reducing trade for World Cup fans

Participant Alex Hernandez, a second-year law student, told the Daily Mail he wanted to see ‘really engaging conversation’ at the event, which starts at 8.30pm.

‘Ultimately the conversation must be made and the conversation must be heard. “When people start de-platforming, it starts to get a little dangerous,” Hernandez added.

The highly contentious debate was planned to be held at an earlier date, but was postponed after serious backlash over Robinson’s participation.

Opposition came from faith leaders, including Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft and Oxford Foundation founder Imam Monawar Hussain; He said they were ‘uncomfortable and upset’ when he was invited to speak.

Ian McKendrick, vice-president of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, accused Robinson of inciting ‘violent race riots’ in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow in the last two weeks.

Mr McKendrick said: ‘They radicalise tragedies to fuel hatred and inspire fear.

‘We cannot remain 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 and said Robinson had ‘no place’ in Oxford and accused the union of providing ‘speakers’ to the far right.

‘It is particularly frustrating to see this incident still going on, despite the union community being aware of the extent of local concern about this issue,’ Ms Dodds said.

The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and staunchly supports the principle of freedom of expression. It has a long history of inviting controversial figures such as OJ Simpson and former BNP leader Nick Griffin.

In May, Katharine Birbalsingh, headteacher at Michaela Public School in Wembley, accused the Union of ‘not inviting’ her; However, officials claimed that there was only a communication outage.

And in 2023, gender-critical feminist Kathleen Stock was allowed to speak at the Union but had to confront trans activists.

Robinson last spoke alone at the Union in 2014, but had never before participated in a formal debate.

An invitation to take part in a debate on nationalism in 2013 was withdrawn due to the ‘significant security costs’ of hosting it.

Robinson, 43, was recently accused of stoking 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 dissuade Robinson from joining failed last week.

The motion argued that the debate would ‘serve as a rallying cry for Tommy Robinson’ and was not conducive to ‘the future security of free expression’.

OU president Arwa Elrayess said on Instagram that she was “very much looking forward” to the debate, where members will have the chance to “challenge the speakers”.

Robinson, founder of the English Defense League, will appear on stage with far-right actor Laurence Fox

The motion is opposed by speakers including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg

Oxford city council leader Susan Brown said she was ‘deeply concerned’ about the event going ahead and said the Association should cover the cost of policing the event.

He said: ‘Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. ‘While we remain committed to freedom of expression and open debate, this must be balanced with ensuring that all our residents can live free from hatred, threats and harm.’

The Labor councilor added that a ‘large-scale security operation’ was being prepared to deal with the incident.

‘This will cause significant disruption and incur significant cost for local residents and businesses,’ he said.

‘The Oxford Union should cover the full costs of staging the event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to foot the bill.’