Anti-racism protesters block streets as Tommy Robinson debates at Oxford Union

Background

The Oxford Union, a historic debating society, invited Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon) to argue in favour of the motion "The West is right to be suspicious of Islam" on 17 June. The event also featured former actor Laurence Fox on the same side, with former Conservative MP Jacob Rees‑Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi opposing. The debate had originally been scheduled for May but was postponed following security concerns and widespread condemnation from faith leaders and local politicians.

Protests and street closures

By 19:30 BST, about 200 anti‑racism protesters carrying Stand Up to Racism placards had stationed themselves at both ends of St Michael’s Street, according to the BBC. Demonstrators chanted "Oxford is antifascist" and "racists out of our streets"; some signs mocked Robinson’s visit to Russia, asking "How many roubles are you worth, Tommy?" and calling him "Putin’s pet". A human chain blocked access to the venue, and the local council had ordered the street closed from 16:00 to 23:00, forcing nearby businesses and pubs to shut early.

“Everybody has a right to freedom of speech. What they don’t have a right to is a platform, and the Oxford Union has chosen to provide a platform to far‑right figures.”

A smaller group of counter‑protesters with Union flags gathered on Cornmarket Street, separated from the main crowd by a line of yellow‑vested police. A brief incident saw protesters booing officers and a couple of demonstrators threw water at them, but no arrests were reported.

Impact on the debate

The protest meant only a handful of people managed to enter the building, organiser Teige from Oxford Stand Up to Racism told AFP. The debate started with a significant delay and took place in a largely empty hall, with the motion being formally opposed by Rees‑Mogg and al Andalusi.

Reaction

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, condemned the Oxford Union’s decision, noting that the city centre "should have been buzzing" with England’s first World Cup match but instead pubs were closing early and people warned friends to avoid the area. Ian McKendrick, vice chair of Oxford Stand Up to Racism, had earlier accused Robinson of inciting "violent race riots" in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow. Thames Valley Police said it worked to facilitate peaceful protest while minimising disruption. Local faith leaders, including the Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft and Imam Monawar Hussain, had expressed being "disturbed and saddened" by the invitation.