Free speech row as Tommy Robinson 'secretly invited' to Islam debate at prestigious Oxford Union

A major free speech row is brewing over reports Tommy Robinson has been "secretly" invited to a debate on Islam at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The Union, Oxford University's debating society, is set to host the activist in May to debate the motion: "This House believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam."

Unlike several other motions up for debate, no speakers have yet been announced for the May 28 clash.

The official programme only says speakers will be "revealed shortly" - and promises to pit "theologians, activists, and political figures" against each other.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

It adds that the Islam debate is meant to tackle an "uncomfortable question" on a "deeply contested and polarising issue".

But insiders have claimed his appearance will only be confirmed on the day of the debate itself over fears of backlash from students.

GB News was told that Jewish members of the Union's committee "found it highly offensive" that Tommy Robinson would be considered a suitable balance for pro-Palestine speakers like left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.

Last October, Tommy Robinson was invited to speak in Israel by the country's Diaspora Affairs Minister, Amichai Chikli - and visited its parliament, the West Bank, and its border with the Gaza Strip.

Mr Chikli described him as a "courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam".

Tommy Robinson himself is a staunch supporter of Israel and Zionism.

But Oxford Union members pointed to a condemnation of him as a "thug who represents the very worst of Britain" by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews as evidence the Jewish community does not support him.

It is understood that several members see his invitation as part of a broader pattern of questionable speaker choices and inadequate concern for affected communities.

FREE SPEECH - READ MORE:

• University of Edinburgh slammed for platforming pro-Palestine speaker who likened Zionists to Nazis
• Universities banned from 'bullying staff on race, gender and climate' in major free speech victory
• Keir Starmer is 'presiding over death of Britain's free speech', American author tells GB News

His appearance would risk the Union being seen as a "legitimising platform", members say.

GB News' Free Speech Nation host Josh Howie, however, said: "You can agree or disagree with Tommy Robinson and the motion of the debate, but if it goes ahead it'll be a fantastic step in the right direction for a healthier society and higher education system, where thoughts, arguments and ideas can be aired and challenged, instead of damaging alternatives."

The debate is set to ask: "Are Western suspicions of Islam simply the product of prejudice - an effort to manufacture a scapegoat onto which broader social anxieties are projected - or do they reflect a genuine tension between aspects of Islamic belief and the values that underpin liberal democracy?"

The programme adds: "In a context where racial and religious tensions have intensified across parts of the West, it is both urgent and necessary to address this question head-on."

Robinson spoke at the Union in 2014 and delivered a standalone address - however, he has not yet taken part in a formal debate.

A year earlier, he had been invited to a debate on nationalism, which was withdrawn over the "significant security costs" involved in hosting him.

The Oxford Union has hosted swathes of high-profile and controversial figures before, including former BNP leader Nick Griffin and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk - who clashed with would-have-been Union president George Abaraonye.

A spokesman for the Oxford Union told the Mail on Sunday: "The Oxford Union Society's committee works tirelessly to curate a termly programme of debates and speaker meetings that give our members the unique opportunity to challenge, question, and interact with a broad range of speakers.

"Speakers for this term are still being confirmed, with ongoing events in the Middle East - and the dates for Eid Al Adha - being important factors.

"We only host speakers who agree to be challenged in the context of a debate.

"For events with greater levels of external interest, information is often released closer to the planned date to mitigate any potential security risks, after routine liaison with stakeholders including the police.

"This procedure is not a departure from normal practice."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter