Protesters against an event featuring far-right activist Tommy Robinson have clashed with counter-protesters in Oxford. The Oxford Union debating society sparked controversy when it announced it would host a debate entitled 'The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam', featuring Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Former actor turned activist Laurence Fox was also at the event, as well as former Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who was pictured arriving with his wife Helena to argue against Mr Yaxley-Lennon.
Protest Details
Protesters took to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street on Wednesday, June 17, occupying either side of St Michael Street where the event was taking place. Chanting slogans such as 'Oxford Union, shame, shame', they far outnumbered the handful of counter-protesters carrying Union flags who gathered in Cornmarket Street in support of Mr Yaxley-Lennon. The two groups were separated by a police cordon, with officers present across the area to monitor the protest.
Incidents and Reactions
A minor incident in Cornmarket Street saw protesters booing police officers. A couple of demonstrators appeared to throw water at them. Protesters held placards reading 'Putin's poster boy' and 'No platform for fascist Yaxley-Lennon' during the demonstration. Shops and some pubs in the area were reportedly closed early because of the event and protests.
Oxford City Council previously said St Michael Street would be closed while the event was ongoing. The council stated: 'St Michael’s Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians between 4pm and 11pm on Wednesday June 17 due to an event at the Oxford Union. A small number of bus routes will operate slight diversions, but no bus stops are affected. No other road closures are planned.'
Police Statement
Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Wednesday: 'We work closely with a range of partners through well-established, safety advisory structures to ensure events take place safely and smoothly, while minimising disruption to our communities. We support freedom of speech and are working with the Oxford Union and other local stakeholders to facilitate this event and any associated peaceful protest.'
Debate Participants
Mr Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi both took part in the debate to oppose Mr Yaxley-Lennon. In a YouTube video released on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Rees-Mogg explained why he believed the union was 'right' to host Mr Yaxley-Lennon for a debate. He said: 'I think the best way to answer him is to debate with him. You see, if I just ignore him he won’t go away, he won’t lose his following and people will just say people like me are scared.' The former Tory MP added that the Oxford Union would be a 'pointless society' without free speech and that it 'exists to argue'.
It was reported last month that the debate had been delayed after significant outcry about the far right activist’s attendance. The most significant opposition came from faith leaders, including the Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, and founder of the Oxford Foundation, Imam Monawar Hussain. Both said they were 'disturbed and saddened' when he was invited to speak. Ian McKendrick, Vice Chairman of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, previously accused Mr Yaxley-Lennon of inciting 'violent race riots' in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow in recent weeks.
