Protests in Oxford as Tommy Robinson speaks at student debating society event
Robinson participated in the debate titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam
Last updated 18th Jun 2026
More than a hundred protesters assembled in Oxford city centre last night (17 June), objecting to an Oxford Union debate that included Tommy Robinson.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, participated in the debate titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam, alongside former actor Laurence Fox.
Protesters converged on New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street, occupying areas adjacent to St Michael Street where the event took place.
They chanted slogans such as “Oxford Union, shame, shame,” far outnumbering counter-protesters carrying Union flags, who gathered to support Robinson.
The groups were separated by police, with numerous officers monitoring the area.
A minor incident occurred when police were booed on Cornmarket Street, and some protesters threw water.
Oxford City Council closed St Michael Street during the event.
Oxford City Council said, “St Michael’s Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians between 4pm and 11pm on Wednesday 17th June due to an event at the Oxford Union.”
Some shops and pubs reportedly closed early due to the event and demonstrations.
Thames Valley Police stated: " The demonstrations passed off without significant incident, though a 20-year-old man from Kent was arrested on suspicion of assault by beating. He remains in custody.
"We would like to thank everyone who worked with our officers while we facilitated peaceful protest."
Participants opposing Robinson included former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi.
Rees-Mogg explained in a YouTube video why he supports debating Robinson.
He said, “I think the best way to answer him is to debate with him. Ignoring him won't make him go away or diminish his following.”
He added that without free speech, “the Oxford Union would be a pointless society” and it “exists to argue.”
The debate was previously delayed due to backlash over Yaxley-Lennon's attendance.
Some faith leaders, such as the Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, and Oxford Foundation founder Imam Monawar Hussain, expressed concern over Robinson’s invitation.
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.