Tommy Robinson Oxford Union visit slammed by Bishop and Imam

Bishop of Oxford Dr Steven Croft and Imam Monawar Hussain have written a joint letter in which they say they are “disturbed and saddened” that the far-right leader is scheduled to appear at the debating society which is more than 200 years old.

The controversial figure, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is to debate at the Oxford Union on Thursday, May 28.

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The debate is entitled ‘this house believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam’.

Mr Yaxley-Lennon has been jailed multiple times for a variety of offences including in October 2024 for contempt of court.

Imam Monawar Hussain (Image: Oxford Mail)

He has organised multiple marches in London including a ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest on Saturday, May 16.

Citing the recent rally as well as a shooting at the mosque in San Diego on May 18, the faith leaders said that this is a “a time of rising tensions between communities”.

They added: “The Muslim community is acknowledging a rise in Islamophobia.

The Bishop of Oxford (Image: Oxford Mail)

“The Jewish communities have seen antisemitic rhetoric which has had tragic consequences in terms of attacks on people and property.

“As faith leaders across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley we stand together against hatred, racism and those who would divide our communities.”

The Bishop and the Imam are co-chairs of the Oxfordshire Faith and Civic Leaders Forum and the Thames Valley Faith and Civic Leaders Forum, with this interjection coming just months before Dr Croft is due to retire.

People take part in Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march (Image: Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire)

The pair said that everyone needs to play their part in resisting division and racism and, as such, termed the Union’s invitation “untimely and divisive”.

“We understand, of course, that the Oxford Union is outside the direct control of the University of Oxford,” they said.

The Bishop and Imam added: “We understand the need to protect freedom of speech and the right to protest.

“But these rights sit alongside the rights of every citizen and their children to go about their daily lives free of hatred and physical danger.”

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

Dr Croft and Imam Hussain explained that the city has a long history of hospitality to migrants and the poorest members of society and that the Oxford Union leaders need to be mindful of the city they reside in.

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The duo added: “Those who are temporary residents in our world leading university and who lead the Oxford Union have a duty of care to the many thousands of Muslims, Jews and others of different faiths in the city.

“We make a strong appeal in these weeks and months of global tension that this invitation should be reconsidered and withdrawn for the sake of this city and its peace.”

Others have also condemned the visit of Mr Yaxley-Lennon, including local councillors and MP Anneliese Dodds.

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