Union U-turn on EDL speech

EDL leader Tommy Robinson has his invitation withdrawn due to security costs


In a stunning U-turn, the Oxford Union have been forced to CANCEL a planned appearance by EDL leader Tommy Robinson.

Robbo a no-go: Union just can’t afford the appearance

In an email to Robinson,current president Parit Wacharasindhu claimed the Union were simply “unable to cover the significant security costs that would be required to host you as a speaker”.

The Union has courted controversy before with its dealing with the far-right – National Front leader John Tyndall was invited to speak in 1998, while an appearance by the BNP’s Nick Griffin alongside convicted Holocaust denier David Irving sparked a furore among students.

Robinson’s invitation was the latest such gesture from the 175-year-old institution that counts Boris Johnson and Michael Gove among its former presidents.

Bastion breached?

Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Jones, has blasted the Union, telling the BBC: “The OxfordUnion is one of the most historical and famous Oxford University places for debate. They should be upholding that debate”.

More to follow.