EDL Leader Tommy Robinson's Oxford Union Appearance Cancelled

Oxford Union Cancels EDL Leader's Appearance
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EDL Leader Tommy Robinson's Appearance At Oxford Union Cancelled
PA

Oxford Union has cancelled English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson's planned appearance at the debate society amid "security concerns".

The EDL founder, who is due to appear in court on Wednesday over organising a march in East London, slammed the students' decision as "a load of rubbish".

"Unfortunately, as we are a student society running on a budget based on student membership, we will be unable to cover the significant security costs that would be required to host you as a speaker," the email read.

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The union previously admitted Robinson's appearance was uncertain, stating "it is highly possible that he won't be featuring in [the debate]. However Wacharasindhu defended the original invite, saying OU had been founded on "the principle of free speech".

The National Union of Students will no doubt be relieved, after warning Robinson's presence could "endanger" students.

The union also lacked the backing of Oxford University's student union, with the president condemning the invite as a "pointless stunt".