Oxford pubs closing amid Tommy Robinson ‘unrest’ fears

The controversial figure, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is due at the Oxford Union tomorrow evening (Wednesday, June 17).

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

Five roads, including St Michael’s Street next to the union, will be closed and police will be on stand-by for any unrest.

The Jolly Farmers Pub in Paradise Street said on social media that businesses were “boarding up windows” ahead of Yaxley-Lennon’s visit.

Staff outside The Jolly Farmers in 2022 (Image: The Jolly Farmers)

It said: “Businesses are going to suffer. Communities are going to suffer. Our reputation as a city is going to suffer.”

A pub spokesman confirmed The Jolly Farmers will not be boarding up, but it will be closed today for the visit.

The White Rabbit in Frairs Entry also said it will be closing early today “in solidarity with other independent businesses”.

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The pub said it is a “difficult decision”, but said the safety and wellbeing of visitors is “always a priority”.

“We hope everyone in Oxford stays safe this Wednesday,” the pub added. “Now let’s all have a nice cold pint and wait for this all to blow over.”

Meanwhile, the The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen also in St Michael’s Street said its licence to trade from the pavement has been revoked temporarily for the day.

Tommy Robinson (Image: PA)

A spokesman said it is due to the road closure and “likely trouble”, adding it too will shut early from 3pm “to keep staff safe”.

One businessman, who asked for him and his business to remain anonymous, said there is “growing frustration” both in businesses that may be affected and within the university at the timing of the debate, referencing other tensions elsewhere in the country.

“Some businesses in the vicinity of the Oxford Union site are definitely considering what steps need to be taken to prevent damage,” he said.

Anneliese Dodds, Oxford East MP, said: “The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has already been rightly criticised for ignoring the views of Oxford residents concerned about its impact on community relations.

“Now it appears local businesses are also worried that they could be targeted by supporters of Yaxley-Lennon and the division he promotes.

“When will the Oxford Union’s leadership realise their behaviour is damaging our city?”