POLICE said they would be closely monitoring a debate on free speech being staged at the Oxford Union tomorrow night.

Speakers include Holocaust denier David Irving and the BNP leader Nick Griffin.

More than 1,000 people are exepcted to protest at the pair being allowed to speak.

Chief Insp Dennis Evernden, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Our role in this event is to prevent any breach of the peace, facilitate any lawful protest and reassure the general public.

"We are very used to dealing with protest in Oxford and will deal with this event in a sensitive and professional manner."