MORE than 300 people have signed an open letter urging the Oxford Union to cancel its invitation to controversial French politician Marine Le Pen to speak in the city.

The leader of the right-wing French National Front party, the third largest in France, is scheduled to speak in Oxford on Thursday, February 5.

A letter penned by Oxford Unite Against Fascism (UAF) has been signed by Oxford professors, students, councillors and residents urging the union to rescind its invitation.

Labour councillor John Tanner, who will be chairing a UAF rally at Oxford Town Hall tomorrow, said: “The Oxford Union debating club should not be giving a platform to extreme right-wing politicians like Marine Le Pen.”

“I urge 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.”

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Tracy Walsh of Oxford UAF said: “Though we are excluded from the Oxford Union, the many who oppose fascism will not be silenced.

“UAF has organised a rally this week and a demonstration on the night of her speech to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear – Marine Le Pen is a fascist and is not welcome here.”

The group has organised a demonstration outside the union in St Michael’s Street at 5pm on Thursday, shortly before Le Pen’s address at 6pm as well as the planned rally on Wednesday at 7pm.

The Oxford Union declined to comment.

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