AN OXFORD MP has backed the Oxford Union's controversial decision to invite the leader of a 'Nazi-linked' German party to speak in the city.
Liberal Democrat Layla Moran's stance puts her at odds with the city's other MP, Labour's Anneliese Dodds, who has said that Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel should not have been invited to address the union.
FULL STORY: Protest planned as 'Nazi-linked' party leader set for Oxford speech
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Ms Moran said: “The AfD’s views are abhorrent and do not reflect the values of Oxfordshire, the United Kingdom, the Liberal Democrats nor the vast majority of Oxford University students.
"However, I do think their views and those of similar parties and organisations in the UK should be robustly challenged in healthy and open debate.”
Protesters will demonstrate outside the union on the evening of Wednesday, November 7, when Ms Weidel is due to speak.
Ms Dodds, the MP for Oxford East, has previously said: "It is very concerning to hear that the Oxford Union has gone out of its way to court a far-right politician in this way.
"The AfD marched alongside Pegida, an extreme-right group, during protests in the German city of Chemnitz last month, which featured protestors making Nazi salutes and openly threatening migrants."
The Union have defended their decision to invite Ms Weidel and say they remain politically neutral.
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