OXFORD Union has said it is a 'shame' that hundreds of people blockaded its entrances to protest a controversial speaker.

Far-right figure Steve Bannon, President Trump's former chief strategist, was met by crowds of angry demonstrators at the Oxford University society's building on Friday.

Read more: Huge protest blocks streets near Oxford Union in Bannon backlash

The Union released a comment today stating: "The Oxford Union successfully hosted Steve Bannon, in an event that included opening remarks from Mr Bannon and then a wide variety of challenging questions from the chair and the audience.

"The Union of course respects people’s right to peaceful protest.

"However, it is a shame that protestors prevented some of our members from being able to enter the Union and exercising their right of freedom of assembly."

Police reportedly dressed in riot gear helped Mr Bannon into the venue, as critics outside clutched signs branding him a 'racist'.

Several organisations and individuals, including East Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds, condemned Oxford Union for giving Mr Bannon a platform to share his controversial views.

A video of the full speech and question and answer session has since been posted on the Union's Youtube page, during which students grill Mr Bannon about his views and use of 'violent language'.

Many comments on the Youtube video were positive about the debate.

One person wrote: "Oxford Union, I applaud you for standing up against those who want to decide what can and cannot be said.

"Freedom of speech is essential for the survival of our society."

Another added: "Boos at the beginning, no boos at the end. Bannon is a straight up guy. Great talk. Respect to Oxford Uni for this."