Protesters linked arms and blocked people attending a debate on Islam headlined by far-right activist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union - causing the event to be delayed by more than an hour.
Several hundred campaigners, some of whom were seen wearing masks and keffiyehs, arrived in their droves outside the venue holding up banners calling to 'Stop the Far Right' and shouting, 'Oxford Union, shame, shame'.
They also chanted 'refugees are welcome here' and 'racist scum off our streets' ahead of the event, which came to a close shortly after 1am on Thursday following a number of delays.
Meanwhile a 'human blockade' outside the venue prevented at least 10 people from entering the building, according to The Oxford Student .
Former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, invited to oppose Robinson, complained on social media that people were being 'blocked' from entering the building.
In a plea to police, he wrote on X: 'Please could the Thames Valley Police allow people into the Oxford Union. Protesters are blocking the entrances while law and order is not being upheld.'
A short while later, images from inside the debate chamber showed it was half-filled just before the event began - with Thames Valley Police revealing entry had been 'suspended' due to the protest activity taking place.
The force stated 'the decision...was taken by the event organisers, not the police,' having 'discussed options with Oxford Union.'
Thames Valley police confirmed a 20-year-old man from Kent was arrested on suspicion of assault by beating. He remains in custody.
Scores of protesters actively tried to block people attending a debate headlined by far-Right activist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union tonight
Protesters linked arms in an attempt to stop people hearing Tommy Robinson on Wednesday
The campaigners, some of whom are from far-Left group Antifa and were seen wearing masks and keffiyahs, arrived in their droves holding up banners calling to 'Stop the Far Right'
Robinson has been booked by the 200-year-old debating society to appear on the motion: 'This House believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam'. Pictured: The activist (left) was seen arriving at The Oxford Union
Daily Mail revealed last month that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had been booked by the 200-year-old debating society to appear on the motion: 'This House believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam.'
Protesters took to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street, occupying either side of St Michael Street where the event is taking place.
A smaller number of counter-protesters also gathered at the entrance doors of the building carrying Union Jacks and St George's flags. Robinson's supporters were heard chanting, 'never trust a lefty with your kids'.
Police placed a cordon to separate the two groups and prevent violence, though bystanders reported seeing pushing and shoving between the protesters, while also hurling slurs at one another.
A minor incident took place on Cornmarket Street in which protesters booed police officers, and a couple of demonstrators appeared to throw water at them.
Pubs and shops in Oxford city centre closed early and boarded up windows - losing trade from World Cup fans - while whole streets were put into lockdown amid warnings of potential unrest to follow.
Oxford City Council said earlier today that St Michael Street would be closed while the event is ongoing.
Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, is appearing alongside fellow far-Right voice Laurence Fox , opposed by other speakers including Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi.
There were clashes between far-right and far-left campaigners outside the Oxford Union
A minor incident took place on Cornmarket Street in which protesters booed police officers, and a couple of demonstrators appeared to throw water at them
Counter-protesters arrived at the building carrying Union Jacks and St George's flags
The highly contentious debate was meant to have taken place at an earlier date but was delayed after significant outcry about Robinson's attendance. Pictured: Protesters hold up banners for Stand Up To Racism Oxford
Anti-raqcism protesters chanted 'refugees are welcome here' and 'racist scum off our streets'
Police officers were out in force to help keep the peace between the two groups
Attendee Alex Hernandez, a second year law student, told Daily Mail he wanted to see 'genuinely engaging conversation' at the event, which started at 10pm.
'Ultimately the conversation should be had and should be listened to. It starts to get a bit dangerous when people start getting no-platformed', Hernandez added.
However Green Party local councillor Chris Jarvis, who was taking part in the protest, said: 'The Oxford Union should never have invited him. Everyone is entitled to free speech.
'What they are not entitled to is a platform and the Oxford Union has chosen to platform far-right figures.'
The highly contentious debate was meant to…
Read the full article at Daily Mail →📄Source document: Thames Valley Police statement
5 reports
The IndependentIndependentCenter3 days agoProtesters blocked access to an Oxford Union debate featuring Tommy Robinson, leading to scuffles and preventing most attendees from entering. The debate, titled 'The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam,' was attended by only around 200 people despite a 450-person capacity. Protesters included anti-fascist campaigners who occupied streets near the venue and displayed signs opposing Robinson.
Bias read (Center): The article presents events objectively without overtly favoring one side. It describes the actions of both protesters and the Oxford Union without evaluative language or biased framing. The content focuses on factual descriptions of the incident, including protester actions, police involvement, and
Daily MailIndependentRight3 days agoProtesters wearing keffiyehs and masks gathered outside the Oxford Union to block attendees from a debate featuring far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The event was delayed multiple times, and some individuals were unable to enter the venue. Protesters held signs opposing the far right and called for the removal of 'racist scum.' Former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg criticized the situation on social media, urging authorities to allow access to the building. The Oxford Union suspended entry due to the protests, though the decision was made by event organizers, not the police.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the protesters as opposing 'far-right' figures like Tommy Robinson, using terms such as 'Stop the Far Right' and 'racist scum off our streets.' It highlights the disruption caused by the protesters and includes commentary from Jacob Rees-Mogg, who criticizes the blocking of entry.
Official sources cited
- government Thames Valley Police statement
- press release The Oxford Student report
The IndependentIndependentLeft4 days ago More than 100 protesters gather at Tommy Robinson and Laurence Fox Oxford Union eventMore than 100 protesters opposed an Oxford Union event featuring far-right activist Tommy Robinson and former actor Laurence Fox. The event, titled 'The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam,' drew significant public backlash. Protesters gathered on New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street, chanting slogans against the event. A police cordon separated the protesters from a smaller group of supporters. Minor incidents occurred, including protesters booing police and throwing water at them. The Oxford City Council announced that St Michael Street would be closed during the event.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the event as 'controversial' and highlights the large number of protesters opposing it, using terms like 'far-right activist' to describe Tommy Robinson. It emphasizes the opposition to the event and does not provide balanced perspectives from those supporting it, suggesting a pro
Official sources cited
- government Oxford City Council Statement
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter8 days agoPolice made several arrests as far-right groups clashed with anti-racist and anti-fascist demonstrators in multiple UK cities including Brighton, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Glasgow. These protests occurred following recent violent unrest in Belfast and Southampton.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on events without overtly favoring either side. It mentions both far-right and anti-racist groups, providing a balanced account of the clashes without using loaded language or emphasizing one group over the other. No explicit editorializing or biased sourcing is evident.
Sky News (UK)IndependentCenter8 days agoTommy Robinson is scheduled to debate the topic of whether the West is 'right to be suspicious of Islam' at the Oxford Union, despite objections from faith leaders, politicians, and campaigners.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement about an upcoming debate without editorializing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. It reports on the event and the reactions to it without taking a stance.
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