Debate over

Tommy

Robinson’s

Invite at the

Oxford Union i

Oxford’s debating community has repeatedly invited the much

controversial personality Tommy Robinson, EDL leader in an

attempt to debate over issues of nationalism amid concerns

pertaining to “endangering” students. One of the members of

the Oxford Union has tweeted saying that the society would

rather love to see him as a speaker. However, the invitation has

provoked criticism even from the student union’s President.

One of the members from the prestigious society, who has

played the main role in instigating the invitation, was answered

by Robinson, who asked to exchange numbers. Furthermore

Blackaby had tweeted saying that he would love to hear the

widely varying views over a debate. He even added saying that

the debate would become boring if everyone would think alike.

Blackaby proceeded with his comments saying a free speech

with an open interaction would add to the interestingness of

the debate as different views would be welcomed. The union

President, Parit Wacharasindhu has defended the entire invite

issue; yet has admitted to certain security concerns. He has

opined on the issue and has even added that since the principle

of Oxford society is based on free speech, the invite would

provide a neutral podium to express political views depending

upon the way such views would be contested.

He has even said that it would be certain for security issues to

arise; Wacharasindhu has said that such terrific instances are

likely to be raised by opponent parties. However, he has

expressed his concerns on resolving such key issues.

Furthermore, the union President has said that Robinson’s

debate format would be exclusively scrutinised and questioned

to reduce any negative impact.

On the contrary, the National Union of Students, Tom Rutland

has overtly warned that Robinson’s presence could jeopardize

students. The Oxford Student Union’s President has added that

inviting Robinson would be like a pointless stunt.

Since the Student Union emphasises on the welfare of pupils, it

would be inappropriate for the University people to invite

fascist people who are known to spread hatred and social

threats that can affect the student body and their members;

and could even accompany thugs. The student union fears that

students’ safety would be put at risk.

In fact Rutland has even said that it would be valueless to invite

hate speakers for the sake of free speech. In fact he has even

said that these people don’t respect a free society or free

speech. Tom Rutland has added that people only believe in

oppression and hatred. The EDL people are simply not

appropriate enough to be invited at an Oxford free speech

debate; after all they are fascists.

Though, this invite may help people challenge each other’s

views; it is however expected that people would not support or

agree to Robinson’s opinions or comments. Furthermore, the

student union believes that the irrational and absurd opinions

of the fascists would hardly be agreed upon by anyone from the

audience. Later on, the Oxford society has revealed that the

invite was unauthorised and disciplinary actions would be taken

against junior members if they are being found guilty. Source

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