Protest takes place over Oxford Union Robinson debate

A protest has taken place in opposition to Tommy Robinson's involvement in a debate at the Oxford Union.

The far-right activist is taking part in a debate about Islam in the city on Wednesday. His invitation sparked widespread condemnation.

At 19:30 BST about 200 protesters holding Stand Up to Racism placards stationed themselves at either end of St Michael's Street where the event is taking place. Barriers were put in place, forcing some businesses to close.

A separate, smaller group of protesters holding union flags were also present, with the groups separated by a line of police.

A minor incident took place on Cornmarket Street in which protesters booed police officers, and a couple of demonstrators appeared to throw water at them.

Robinson's visit to the historic debating society comes just over a month after he led thousands in a Unite the Kingdom rally in London on 16 May.

That protest saw 20 people arrested, with those gathered telling the BBC they had a wide range of views - including some who felt white people, in particular white working class people, were being discriminated against in the UK.

Ian McKendrick, vice chairman of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, has previously accused Robinson of inciting "violent race riots" in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow over the past weeks.

Participants in the debate opposing Robinson include former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi. Former actor Laurence Fox was also due to attend alongside Robinson.

Ahead of the debate, Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, criticised the Oxford Union's decision to give a platform to Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

"The city centre should have been buzzing tonight with people coming together to support our team with England's first match in the World Cup," she said.

"Instead pubs are closing early and people are warning their family and friends not to risk going into the city centre."

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "We work closely with a range of partners through well-established, safety advisory structures to ensure events take place safely and smoothly, while minimising disruption to our communities.

"We support freedom of speech and are working with the Oxford Union and other local stakeholders to facilitate this event and any associated peaceful protest."

The Oxford Union is a student society dating back more than 200 years. It has a reputation for hosting controversial speakers - ranging from OJ Simpson to Gerry Adams.

Inviting people to take part traditionally falls to the Union's president- currently Arwa Elrayess - who serves for just a single eight-week academic term.

The Union is run completely independently of the University of Oxford.