UMVA has learned that a highly charged confrontation erupted outside the Oxford Union, where right-wing figure Tommy Robinson was invited to speak on the topic of whether the West is 'right to be suspicious of Islam', alongside Laurence Fox.
The event sparked outrage, with protesters taking to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street, chanting slogans like 'Oxford Union, shame, shame' and vastly outnumbering a small group of counter-protesters who had gathered in support of Robinson.
Protesters against Tommy Robinson were seen linking arms to block attendees from entering the debate, while supporters of Robinson were also present, separated by a police cordon.
The situation turned violent, with some protesters trying to breach the cordon and shouting abuse, resulting in an anti-Robinson protester being kicked in the head and another being punched in the face.
One protester, Tammy Samuels, 23, who had traveled from Cardiff to oppose Robinson's participation, expressed her outrage, saying 'He's vile. I cannot believe such a prestigious organisation as this has allowed him here.'
Anti-racist groups shouted slogans like 'Oxford is anti-fascist' and 'racist scum off our streets', as the debate inside the Oxford Union finally got underway, despite the chaos outside.
A second-year law student, Alex Hernandez, who managed to get into the half-full chamber, believed that 'the conversation should be had and should be listened to', while another person who was denied entry expressed disappointment, saying they had wanted to see a 'healthy and constructive debate'.
The debate ended at around 1am, four hours later than expected, but protesters continued to picket the exit routes, with some shouting 'shove your union up your arse'.
The controversy surrounding Robinson's invitation to appear at the union had sparked anger in the run-up to the debate, with many accusing the union of giving a 'loudspeaker' to the far-right.
Local leaders, including the MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, and the Leader of Oxford City Council, Susan Brown, expressed their opposition to the invitation, citing concerns about hatred, intimidation, and harm.
As the evening drew to a close, one of the speakers, Rees-Mogg, finally wrapped up the debate, saying 'Everyone's quite keen to go home, but we've outlasted the protesters.'
