Former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson sparked protests after addressing the Oxford Union last night, in an appearance that was kept secret until the last moment.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, told students that fears over racism allowed child abuse to go unchecked in Rotherham. He claimed the police, media and politicians were 'paralysed' by the fear of being called racist, facilitating the rape of children for 20 years.
The 32-year-old, who was jailed for mortgage fraud earlier this year and is out on licence, said he was given a list of prohibited topics by probation officers. He told MailOnline: 'Even though I wouldn't have been breaking any laws, I was told I would be taken back to prison if I spoke about the police.'
Around 200 people signed a petition calling for the event to be cancelled, and protesters gathered outside the union, shouting abuse as Robinson arrived. Inside, he insisted the atmosphere was 'civilised' and he was not heckled during his one-hour, twenty-minute speech.
Robinson discussed the roots of the EDL, claiming it was a response to 'religious intolerance' by some Muslims in Luton. He also alleged that Woodhill Prison, where he was held, is an 'ISIS training camp' where radicals run the wings.
The Oxford Union has previously hosted controversial figures like BNP leader Nick Griffin. Critics accused the union of encouraging fascism, but some students defended the invitation on free speech grounds, saying they disagreed with Robinson's views but valued hearing him speak.
