Marine Le Pen invitation to Oxford University met with protests

Protesters demonstrated outside Oxford Town Hall last night as French Front National leader Marine Le Pen was set to arrive for a speaking engagement at the Oxford University union.

An open letter against the controversial politician, who now leads the third most popular party in her country, has so far been signed by more than 300 people.

Local Labour councillor John Tanner said: “The Oxford Union debating club should not be giving a platform to extreme right-wing politicians like Marine Le Pen.

I urged the Oxford Union to cancel the invitation. “Oxford’s tradition of tolerance, racial harmony and internationalism is too precious to be jeopardised by this irresponsible stunt.”

The Union of Jewish Students told Jewish News “When speakers on campus foster Islamophobia, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, students have the right to protest this. Campus is supposed to be a safe and tolerant space for all students, regardless of their beliefs. We are proud that Jewish students are taking a stand against Marine Le Pen speaking in Oxford, and will continue to support them to do so.”