Tommy Robinson protestors clash in Oxford in tense scenes

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.”