Oxford pubs shut over protest fears during England World Cup

The controversial, ultra-nationalist figure, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is expected to speak at the Oxford Union debating society in St Michael’s Street today (Wednesday, June 17).

He will debate a motion on whether the West is ‘right to be suspicious of Islam’, with actor Laurence Fox and politician Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg also due to speak

Tommy Robinson, who has multiple convictions for offences including assault, using a fake passport, mortgage fraud and contempt of court, will debate (Image: PA Media)

Fears among local hospitality businesses, including pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops, have risen as a large demonstration has been planned ahead of the speaker’s arrival.

Multiple reports say as many as five roads are set to be closed from 4pm in preparation, including: St Michael’s Street, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, Market Street, and Ship Street.

Oxfordshire County Council only confirmed St Michael’s Street would be shut due to the event.

But businesses told the Oxford Mail that county council officials had informed them their streets would be impacted. University of Oxford also posted on social media that Thames Valley Police had told them of the five road closures.

Oxford Union in St Michael’s Street (Image: Roger Askew)

Businesses, particularly pubs who will be closing are concerned about staff and public health and safety and a loss of revenue, on what should be the busiest time for them due to the World Cup.

The Jolly Farmers Pub in Paradise Street 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 be closed today for the visit.

The Three Goats Head Pub in St Michael’s Street, next door to the union, is closing from 4pm. It will therefore have to send staff home and will lose business.

Manager Jaz Rai said: “I believe in free speech, but I’m not sure why the decision was made for the first match, they should have thought about it bit more.”

Society Coffee, opposite The Oxford Union society, which usually closes at 5.30pm, will close at 4pm.

It is alleged that The Plough Inn in St Michael’s Street will be closed and boarded up (Image: Newsquest)

The popular Plough Inn in Cornmarket Street, is believed to be closing and boarding up, according to local pub managers.

Multiple closures are planned for businesses in Ship Street, opposite St Michael’s Street (Image: Newsquest)

In Ship Street, two of the three businesses are remaining open. This includes Crosstown, award-winning doughnut sellers, and No.1 Ship Street, award-winning independent restaurant.

Maddie Holloway, a barista at Crosstown in Ship Street, who will be working throughout the planned demonstration (Image: Newsquest)

Maddie Holloway, barista at Crosstown, will be working during the protest. She said: “There’s been many protests on St Michael’s Street before but they haven’t come here but we would close if there was a danger.”

Manager Jose Toro of New Ground Coffee in Ship Street is closing from 4pm. He said Oxfordshire County Council came to the business to warn them to not have property, such as tables and chairs, outside.

He said: “It’s out of our control but from a business perspective you can’t just shut down the city without asking anyone.”

The White Rabbit in Friars Entry is closing from 4pm to protect customer and staff safety, despite major business losses (Image: Newsquest)

White Rabbit in Friars Entry is closing from 4pm. General manager Edward Whinney, has prioritised staff and public safety, despite a major financial loss.

He said the closure was important as pub closures across the city could push football fanatics and protestors into nearby streets.

He said: “I was really shocked that at a time where there is so much division and anger, the Oxford Union society, which is supposed to hold constructive debates, is choosing speakers where any proper agreement is going to be lost – It is really irresponsible and I think it’s about making a statement.”

He has had to cancel 70 table bookings, losing 20 per cent of business.

He said: “I will fiercely defend free speech, but it’s staggering that businesses who need the help the most are going to be affected the hardest.

“Our first priority is making sure people are safe and happy, so we didn’t want to risk any consequences on our staff and customers.”

The Grapes in George Street is staying open for the first England World Cup game.

Manager Phoenix Herald called the timing of Tommy Robinson’s visit “ironic” but said the historic beer house is “on alert but not letting it dictate” them.

It will have extra security in the form of bouncers with town radio connections and a ‘just in case’ action plan.

Anneliese Dodds has called the behaviour of Oxford Union’s leadership (Image: Constituency office of Anneliese Dodds)

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, has called the behaviour of Oxford Union’s leadership “damaging” to the city.

She 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?”