Crime & Safety
Tommy Robinson ‘secretly invited to speak at Oxford University’
Student newspaper The Oxford Student says an internal Oxford Union source has confirmed that the activist has been asked to take part in a Thursday night debate later this term, although no date has yet been publicly advertised.
GB News has also reported that Mr Robinson was “secretly invited” to an Oxford Union discussion on Islam, suggesting that the plan had not been widely shared with the broader membership in advance.
The Oxford Union, which operates independently of the University of Oxford, has so far not issued a public statement confirming the event, its speakers or its format.
READ MORE: Police issue fresh statement on ‘shocking’ black smoke fire
Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon, is a far‑right activist best known as a co‑founder and former leader of the English Defence League (EDL).
Over the past decade, he has been a prominent figure in national debates about extremism, protest and free expression, and has been convicted of a number of offences, including fraud and contempt of court.
Supporters argue that he highlights issues such as Islamist extremism and shortcomings in public institutions, while critics and anti‑racism groups accuse him of targeting Muslims and promoting divisive rhetoric.
This would not be Mr Robinson’s first appearance at the Union.
READ MORE: Oxford University students ‘shocked’ as ‘flames erupt’ in city
After an earlier invitation was cancelled in 2013 over security concerns, he went on to address the society the following year, speaking to an audience of around 250 while protesters gathered outside.
The Oxford Student reports that the latest invitation has already prompted internal unease among some members, who have raised questions about how speakers are selected and informed, and about the handling of security and safeguarding.
Outside the society, campaigners are beginning to mobilise.
Stand Up To Racism and other groups have shared details of a planned demonstration under the banner “No Platform for Fascist Tommy Robinson at the Oxford Union”, encouraging students and residents to protest if the event goes ahead.
READ MORE: Another 5G mast ‘set on fire’ in Oxford, say police officers
The Oxford Union has long argued that hosting controversial speakers is part of its mission to promote robust debate, stressing that invitations do not amount to endorsements of any individual’s views.
In previous statements about disputed speakers, Union officers have said the society provides a neutral forum where members can question guests and challenge their arguments.
At the time of writing, the Union had not publicly confirmed Mr Robinson’s attendance or set out any specific arrangements for security, protests or member welfare around the reported debate.
Both the Oxford Union and Oxford University have been contacted for comment.
The blaze started with smoke coming from underground outside Sundaes Gelato on Cowley Road on Sunday evening (Saturday, May 2).
Thames Valley Police cars and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines arrived at the scene shortly after, and a cordon was put in place with tape.
Members of the public were warned to get back away from the site with flames soon “erupting” from the smoke, according to onlookers.
READ MORE: Onlookers ‘scared’ as smoke rises from out of the ground in Oxford
The road reopened around 11pm, but the site of the fire remains cordoned off after the blaze was extinguished.
Thames Valley Police has now issued a fresh statement this morning (Sunday, May 3) following the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: “No arrests have been made, and the incident is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has also been approached for comment.
Part of Wellford Gardens care home in Wheatley, Chestnut features en-suite garden rooms designed to promote comfort, independence and wellbeing.
Each room includes a private patio with direct access to landscaped gardens.
The launch event will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 1pm to 5pm.
It will feature a complimentary barbecue from 1pm to 3pm, along with refreshments and entertainment.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the new facilities in a relaxed setting.
Wellford Gardens offers residential, dementia, respite and day care in modern surroundings.
Additional amenities include a bistro café, private dining room, cinema, hair and nail salon and various wellbeing spaces.
The home is managed by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).
OSJCT is a not-for-profit charity caring for more than 4,000 people across 70 care homes and wider services.
The charity also supports services in extra care housing and supported living.
Guests who wish to attend the launch are asked to RSVP by emailing wgardens@osjct.co.uk.
More than 1,900 nominations were submitted for the Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) Staff Recognition Awards 2026, which celebrates the contributions of teams, individuals, volunteers and fundraisers across the trust.
The awards ceremony will take place on June 18 at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Douglas Graham, CEO of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to support the Staff Recognition Awards once again this year and play our part in thanking NHS staff who drive innovation and provide outstanding levels of care.
“It’s always a truly inspiring evening, full of the very best of the NHS, and we are really looking forward to this special event.”
The awards are supported by Oxford Hospitals Charity and aim to shine a light on those who go above and beyond in their roles.
Winners will be announced during the ceremony.
Finalists for the Award for Compassion include acute rehab support workers from the Complex Medical Unit, Cara Heafey, Lucinda Milligan and Jason Rigby.
The Award for Delivery finalists are the Antenatal Infection Group MDT, Apprenticeship Team, Endoscopy Decontamination Team and the Southampton Oxford Retrieval Team (SORT).
Shortlisted for the Award for Excellence are the Sagittarius Team (University-NHS Ulcerative Colitis Flare Programme), Sterile Service Decontamination Department, Dr Garry Tan and Kerrie Woods.
In the Award for Improvement category, Abi Egid, the Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care Quality Improvement Team, Tissue Donation Team and Zoe Lewis are finalists.
Those recognised in the Award for Learning include Dr Abhisek Ghosh, Mr Alpesh Kothari, Katy Mimpress and Dr Adan Taylor.
Temitayo Alakiu, the Community Paediatrics Team, Jonathan Jenkinson and Sam Pemberton are up for the Award for Respect.
Rising Star finalists are Jay Gawali, Megan Green, Lucy Harold and Melissa Worth.
In the Award for Sustainability, the Oxford Kidney Unit, Oxford Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Restorative Dentistry Team, Amanda Simpson and the Sustainable Eye Care Team are recognised.
For the Patients’ Choice Award, finalists are Mr Kirana Arambage, Jay Gawali, Candice Noonan and Dawn Sheppard.
The Oxford Hospitals Charity Award for Supporter or Volunteer of the Year finalists will be announced at a later date.
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is a world renowned centre of clinical excellence and one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK.
The trust is made up of four hospitals in Oxfordshire: John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford, and Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
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