More than a hundred protesters gathered to oppose a controversial Oxford Union event featuring far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
The debating society had sparked widespread criticism by announcing a debate titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam which was set to include Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alongside former actor Laurence Fox.
Demonstrators occupied Oxford’s New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street, positioning themselves on either side of St Michael Street, the location of the contentious event.
Chanting slogans such as “Oxford Union, shame, shame”, they far outnumbered 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.
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.
