Mr Fox was invited along with controversial ultra-nationalist figure Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and Jacob Rees-Mogg to the historic debating society.

The invitation of Yaxley-Lennon, who was recently briefly arrested under counter-terrorism law, caused massive backlash and widespread protests on the night of the society debate, Wednesday, June 17.

READ MORE: Tommy Robinson in Oxford – live updates as city braced

Laurence Fox was seen ‘agitating’ the crowd protesting outside the Oxford Union (Image: Callum Stove)

Those opposed to the agitator’s attendance, from a coalition of groups including Oxford Stand Up To Racism, were further riled up by the unexpected appearance of Mr Fox on the street where they were protesting.

With St Michael’s Street closed to all pedestrians and fenced off by security personnel, the protesters gathered at both ends, on Cornmarket Street and New Inn Hall Street.

At about 6pm, before the debate began at 8.30pm but long after the protests had begun, Laurence Fox emerged from the back entrance of the Oxford Union, Frewin Court, wearing a tuxedo.

He proceeded to ‘agitate’ and provoke the crowd, according to an eyewitness, filming them on his phone, shouting and waving.

Laurence Fox was seen ‘agitating’ the crowd protesting outside the Oxford Union (Image: Callum Stove)

READ MORE: Tommy Robinson protestors clash in Oxford in tense scenes

One witness said: “He was recording the crowd and taunting them, but they started shouting him out.

“Shortly afterwards they began blocking the entrance.”

Police blocked a clash between the protesters outside Frewin Court shortly after the right-wing actor was spotted, between supporters of Tommy Robinson in the dozens and anti-racism protesters, who numbered up to hundreds of people.

The controversial figure is in the city this evening for a debate at the Oxford Union society – but his arrival has been met with rage.

Police can be seen dividing the two groups up as they shout and chant at one another.

Hundreds of people are in the city centre this evening to express their views one way or another.

Robinson arrived in a blacked-out Mercedes van, while opposing debtor Jacob Rees Mogg was seen getting out of his Jaguar XJ for the debate.

Liz, at the anti-Tommy Robinson protest, said: “I couldn’t not come. It’s outrageous that Oxford Uni has invited these people here.

“It’s going to cost us the taxpayer £80k in policing, it’s inviting the far right into town.

Liz 78, (left) Pauline (right) 77, both from Oxford (Image: Stephanie Bell)

“We were hoping the Raising the Flags people had stopped. I’m all for equality and democracy., these people aren’t, and I don’t want to live in a city or country where something is tolerated that is getting us near to the views of that we’ve not seen since 1930s Germany and Italy.

Pauline, stood alongside her, added: “I’ve been fighting racism and fascism in Oxford since the 1970s and they’ve never had a foothold.

“I’m horrified that this fascist speaker has been enabled by various institutions tonight.

“What he says is divisive, racist and inciteful for others to riot. Previously this kind of event has influenced people to attack mosques.”

Aisha (Image: Stephanie Bell)

Nineteen-year-old student Aisha said: “I’m a Muslim student and from an immigrant family, and I’ve been involved in activism my whole life.

“The reality is that Tommy Robinson and all his supporters are the Nazis of the new age, and we need to stand up now, before we become complicit.”

Carol Wing said: “We’re here protesting that the Oxford Union elite debating club for the elite have invited Tommy Robinson to a debate that ‘the west should be suspicious of Islam’.

“Everywhere he goes, he fuels division, he fuels hate, we do not want this in Oxford.

“We have petitioned for them to not have this debate and they have refused to cancel it, so we’re here the only way we know how, to make a lot of noise.”

Hayley, 39, from Oxford: “I don’t agree with racism, everyone bleeds the same.

A bit of argy-bargy outside the Tommy Robinson protest in Oxford, captured by Stephanie Bell @TheOxfordMail pic.twitter.com/yviAasEeJT

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpson__) June 17, 2026

“I like Tommy Robinson’s character he says it how it is. I’ve got half Albanian kids. Everyone is entitled to free speech, we’re all equal.”

Jack, who says he’s in his 30s: “I’m standing here today due to recent events, there’s a two tier society that victimises native British people.

“The two tier system privileges non native people over native British people. We want equality under the law.

“Why shouldn’t Tommy Robinson speak under freedom of speech? Tommy Robinson is standing up to the system.”

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Paddy Power’s welcome offer gives new users the chance to get £50 in free Bet Builders from a £10 stake.  

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Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Free Bets 

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Paddy Power welcome offer review 

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Paddy Power Free Bet Offer Terms and Conditions 

New Customer offer. 

• Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifying bet has been settled. 
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Value comparison vs UK bookmakers 

Here is how Paddy Power stacks up against other major UK betting brands for the tournament: 

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World Cup betting tips: How to use your bonus 

Because your £50 bonus comes split as five £10 free bets, you have plenty of room to experiment. 

The smartest strategy is to spread your free bets across different matchdays rather than blowing them all on a single evening. 

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Taking England’s opener against Croatia on Thursday as an example, the Three Lions head into the game off the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Costa Rica. With attacking combinations clicking to great effect, it could well propel them into a strong start in Dallas. 
 Our England vs Croatia Bet Builder: 

Harry Kane to Score First 

Existing customer promotions on Paddy Power 

Super Sub: Automatic Prop Protection 

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Can I cash out a bet funded by a free bet token? 

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Why do live markets suddenly freeze during matches? 

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18+ New UK Customers Only. Terms and Conditions apply. Please gamble responsibly. For help and advice, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit BeGambleAware.org.

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