UK: Tommy Robinson’s Oxford Union debate sparks protests and free speech backlash

No Comment Video. UK: Tommy Robinson’s Oxford Union debate sparks protests and free speech backlash Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 18/06/2026 - 9:13 GMT+2 Tommy Robinson’s appearance at the Oxford Union prompts large protests and reignites the UK debate over free expression and platforms for extremists. Several hundred protesters gathered in central Oxford on 17 June as far-right activist Tommy Robinson arrived to take part in a debate at the Oxford Union. Demonstrators assembled outside the historic debating society, carrying placards and chanting slogans against Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as security kept watch around the venue. He was due to argue in favour of the motion, “The West is right to be suspicious of Islam”, a proposition that drew strong criticism from students, campaigners and local residents, who said the event risked inflaming tensions and legitimising divisive rhetoric. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Police maintained a visible cordon between protesters and a smaller group of counterdemonstrators to prevent clashes near the Oxford Union as Tommy Robinson arrived for the debate. Opponents of the event held signs reading “Don’t debate racism, reject it” and “No platform for fascist Yaxley-Lennon”, while Oxford student Maya Heuer-Evans said she was not surprised by the invitation, arguing that the Oxford Union often draws controversial figures because of the attention they attract. The episode has renewed debate in the UK over the balance between freedom of expression and the duty of academic institutions to consider the impact of hosting divisive public figures. United Kingdom Racism Protests Oxford Freedom of speech islamophobia Top stories Now playing Next UK: Tommy Robinson’s Oxford Union debate sparks protests and free speech backlash Now playing Next Moment Trump signs US-Iran deal at Palace of Versailles Now playing Next Trump welcomed to Versailles for dinner with Macron Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 18th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 17th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Israel continues strikes on Lebanon ahead of US-Iran deal Now playing Next Read the full text of the leaked 14-point US-Iran draft agreement Now playing Next Air passengers to enjoy free cabin bags as decade-long EU talks end Now playing Next Russia says yacht on 'dangerous approach' in Channel prompted shots Now playing Next EU Parliament approves 'strictest-ever' migration law Now playing Next Which European countries have the cleanest swimming water? Now playing Next Bus with Belarus children hit by a drone in Russia, Moscow claims Now playing Next Watch: Behind closed doors—Ukraine, taxes, and trade at this week's European Council Summit Now playing Next Europe Today: NATO, Ukraine and the battle over Europe's future budget Now playing Next Tashkent forum unveils new roadmap for investment and growth Now playing Next Hidden figures: Stephan Gladieu on photographing the people of North Korea ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Netherlands hosts Japan’s emperor Naruhito to boost 400-year ties No Comment Israeli settlers torch mosque in West Bank village of Jiljilya No Comment Trump jokes ‘I’m the boss’ as he arrives for G7 meeting No Comment Thousands flock to Art Basel in Switzerland as market outlook improves Europe News AI dominates conversations at VivaTech Europe News WFP welcomes €695m donation from US as it warns acute hunger to worsen in 13 hotspots The Ring How can Europe compete with the US and China economically? MEPs debate on The Ring Europe News Germany and Poland sign new defence deal as balance of power in Europe shifts Europe News Bus with Belarus children's football team hit by a drone in Russia, Moscow claims 12 minutes with UK minister ‘very confident’ of getting triple EU reset deal done at July summit Culture news Paris just opened a floating bookshop under Notre-Dame - and it has DJ sets Qatar in Motion Root to Rise: Preserving Qatar’s Cultural Heritage ADVERTISEMENT Focus World Environment Day summit demands accelerated global action on climate crisis The Cube An influencer, a PR specialist and a bishop: Who are the latest EU-sanctioned disinformation actors? Europe News EU Parliament approves 'strictest-ever' migration law USA Messi hat-trick fuels Argentina's World Cup title hopes Vietnam Hundreds of cats rescued from being eaten in Vietnam Europe in Motion Europeans head to World Cup in droves, but which country has seen the best supporter turnout? Sport All of Uzbekistan readies to watch history at its first World Cup No Comment Javier Bardem joins Hollywood greats at landmark ceremony ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT