New date set for Tommy Robinson appearance in Oxford

The controversial figure, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was due to speak at the Oxford Union on Thursday, May 28 before it was postponed over security concerns.

Yaxley-Lennon has been jailed multiple times for a variety of offences with his significant recent imprisonment in October 2024 for contempt of court.

And his planned visit had sparked furious backlash, with politicians in Oxfordshire saying he is “not welcome” to the city.

Tommy Robinson. (Image: PA)

However, a source at the historic debating society told this newspaper that Yaxley-Lennon is now due to appear for his debate on Islam on Wednesday, June 17.

The source added that this was the day before the Union’s Palestine debate on June 18.

“The concern is that the Union intends to announce the debate only shortly before it happens, apparently to minimise public backlash and make it harder for students, local councillors, community groups, or the police to respond in time,” the source added.

“There is also concern that the timing is designed to avoid internal accountability: under Union rules, the final date to file a no-confidence motion against president Arwa Elrayyes is understood to be 5 June.

“Announcing the event after that date would effectively prevent members from using that route against her before the end of term.”

The Oxford Union has not responded to requests for comment around the new date.

It’s been reported that Thames Valley Police quoted the Oxford Union security and policing costs between £50,000 and £80,000 to safely host the debate.

It’s also been reported that the Oxford Union is facing a “financial crisis” with donations drying up after the Charlie Kirk scandal in which the former president-elect appeared to make light of the US commentator’s assassination.

Thames Valley Police was asked whether it would be attending the debate and expected protest outside.

A spokeswoman said: “We work closely with partners through established safety advisory structures to ensure local events run safely and smoothly, while minimising disruption to our communities.”

In a statement announcing the postponement, the Oxford Union said: “The Fifth Week debate has been postponed from 28 May to later this term to allow time for planning of the event.

“We are grateful to our local partners and stakeholders for their continued support and engagement.

“We expect to confirm the new date shortly, following discussions with our speakers.”

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds also expressed concern at Yaxley-Lennon appearing in Oxford.

She said: “The hatred promoted by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, has no place in our great city.”