More than a hundred protesters have gathered in Oxford city centre to protest against an Oxford Union event featuring far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
The debating society sparked controversy when it announced it would be hosting a debate entitled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam, featuring Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – alongside former actor Laurence Fox.
Protesters took to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street on Wednesday night, occupying either side of St Michael Street where the event is taking place.
Chanting slogans such as “Oxford Union, shame, shame”, they far outnumber the handful of counter-protesters, carrying Union flags, who gathered on Cornmarket Street in support of Robinson.
The two groups were separated by a police cordon, and numerous officers were present across the area to monitor the protest.
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.
Oxford City Council previously said St Michael Street would be closed while the event is ongoing.
“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,” the council said.
“A small number of bus routes will operate slight diversions, but no bus stops are affected.
“No other road closures are planned.”
Shops and some pubs in the area have also reportedly closed early because of the event and protests.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Wednesday night: “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.”
Participants in the debate who will oppose Robinson include former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi.
Rees-Mogg released a YouTube video on Wednesday afternoon explaining why he believes the union is “right” to host Robinson 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.”
He 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 Yaxley-Lennon’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, who said they were “disturbed and saddened” when he was invited to speak.
Ian McKendrick, vice chairman of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, has previously accused Yaxley-Lennon of inciting “violent race riots” in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow over the past weeks.
Read More; Belfast Attack & Unrest is Having an Impact on Anti-Muslim Hate in England