UMVA has learned that a tense standoff unfolded in Oxford as protesters against Tommy Robinson's participation in a debate at the Oxford Union clashed with his supporters.
The protesters, who were part of the 'All Out Against Tommy Robinson' march organized by groups including Stand Up to Racism Oxford, gathered near the union building, which was cordoned off with crowd control barriers. They shouted slogans like 'Oxford is anti-fascist' and 'racist scum off our streets.'
The protesters carried signs with messages like 'No Islamophobia, no antisemitism' and 'Stop the far-right,' while Robinson's supporters, carrying Union Jack and St George's flags, gathered outside the union entrance, separated from the protesters by private security staff.
The two groups were seen trying to breach the security cordon to get to each other, with Robinson's supporters shouting abuse like 'never trust a lefty with your kids' at the anti-racist protesters.
One attendee at the debate, Alex Hernandez, a second-year law student, expressed hope for 'genuinely engaging conversation' at the event, saying that it was essential to listen to different perspectives and avoid no-platforming.
However, the MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, accused the union of giving a 'loudspeaker' to the far-right through Robinson, while Oxford's city council insisted that the union should foot the bill for the security operation surrounding the event.
The leader of Oxford City Council, Susan Brown, expressed deep concern over the union's decision to host Robinson, stating that Oxford was a proudly diverse, multicultural city that valued free speech and open debate, but also wanted to ensure that all residents could live free from hatred, intimidation, and harm.
The council leader urged the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices, not only for its own reputation but also for the message the event sent about Oxford and its values.
The event sparked a significant security operation, involving extensive police resources and road closures, which would cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and come at a substantial cost.
