Tommy Robinson speaks to half-empty hall as protesters block Oxford Union debate
Protesters blocked the entrance to the Oxford Union as a row broke out to prevent ticket holders from taking part in a controversial debate with Tommy Robinson.
More than 500 anti-fascist campaigners strapped guns outside the entrances and wrestled union members away; Only those who arrived four hours earlier were able to enter the prestigious discussion room.
The debate community sparked controversy when it announced it would host a debate titled “The West Is Right to Suspicious of Islam” featuring former actor Laurence Fox as well as Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Protesters went to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street on Wednesday night and occupied both sides of St Michael Street, where the event was taking place.
In the end, it is estimated that he managed to seat around 200 people in the 450-person capacity hall; but photos online show far fewer participants.
Videos posted on social media show Thames Valley Police officers fighting with protesters, many of whom were wearing masks or headscarves to hide their identities.
Demonstrators at the “All Against Tommy Robinson” protest held signs reading Stand Up to Racism, “Stop the Far Right” and “Putin’s poster child” for several hours.
While pubs were warned to close early and shops took the precaution of boarding up their windows after being warned of possible unrest, a group of Robinson supporters joined in and insulted the opposing group.
A manager from The Bear Inn told ITV Meridian they had to cancel all bookings for the England v Croatia match after police advised them to be prevented from serving alcohol outdoors.
Protesters were seen chanting slogans such as “Oxford Union, shame, shame” and far outnumbered the handful of counter-protesters carrying Union Jack flags who gathered on Cornmarket Street.
While the two groups were separated by a police cordon, many police officers were present in the area to monitor the protest.
One person speaking out against the decision to allow Robinson to appear on the platform said: “Tommy Robinson? Laurence Fox? At the Oxford Union? I guess there’s no requirement for speakers to be able to put together a coherent sentence or formulate a logical argument.”
While the debate was supposed to start at 20.30, only 60 people entered the hall.
Former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg posted a YouTube video on Wednesday afternoon explaining why he believes the union was “right” to host Robinson for a debate.
He said: “I think the best way to answer him is to argue with him. You see, if I ignore him, he won’t walk away, he won’t lose his followers, and people will say people like me are scared.”
He added that the Oxford Union would be a “meaningless society” without freedom of expression and that it “exists for discussion”.
Last month, it was reported that the debate had been postponed following significant protests over Robinson’s participation.
The most significant opposition came from faith leaders, including Oxford Bishop Steven Croft and Oxford Foundation founder Imam Monawar Hussain, who said they were “disturbed and upset” when he was invited to speak.
Ian McKendrick, vice-president of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, previously accused Robinson of inciting “violent race riots” in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow in recent weeks.
The Oxford Union has been contacted for comment.
