THE Oxford Union (OU) has delayed an appearance by the far-Right activist Tommy Robinson, due this week, until later in the term, after criticism from faith leaders including the Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft.
Last week, Dr Croft and Imam Monawar Hussain — an imam at Eton College and the founder of the Oxford Foundation, a charity to promote religious and racial harmony — jointly called on the society to withdraw its invitation, saying that they were “disturbed and saddened” by the proposed debate.
The OU was not responding to press queries this week, but, on Saturday, it announced on Instagram that it was delaying the debate — on the motion “This house believes the West is right to be suspicious of Islam” — in order to “allow time for planning of the event”.
Dr Croft and Mr Hussain, who co-chair both the Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley Faith and Civic Leaders Forums, wrote in a joint letter: “This invitation comes at a time of rising tensions between communities. As faith and civic leaders across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley we stand together against hatred, racism, and those who would divide our communities.”
They continued: “Those who have issued this invitation need to be mindful not only of the University of Oxford but of the city in which they live and study as students — a city which has a long tradition of hospitality to migrants and the poorest sections of society.
“We make a strong appeal in these weeks and months of global tension that this invitation should be reconsidered and withdrawn for the sake of this city and its peace.”
Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, led thousands of people in a Unite the Kingdom rally in central London on 16 May, during which 20 people were arrested (News, 18 May).
In its social media statement at the weekend, the OU said: “The Fifth Week debate has been postponed from 28 May to later this term to allow time for planning of the event. We are grateful to our local partners and stakeholders for their continued support and engagement. We expect to confirm the new date shortly, following discussions with our speakers.”