Oxford Union ‘no platforms’ Right-winger

THE Oxford Union has been accused of “no platforming” the head of a conservative Catholic organisation.

William Donohue, president of the Right-wing Catholic League, an American civil rights group, claims he was “uninvited” to speak at a forthcoming debate titled “This House Believes the Catholic Church Can Never Pay for its Sins”.

He said: “This is not a matter of misunderstanding, it’s not a mistake. This is deliberate and calculated and it is all political.”

The Oxford Union wrote to Mr Donohue in December asking him to speak in the debate and when he accepted the invitation he was told they would be “honoured” to host him. But he was later told that his attendance was no longer required.

The Union declined to comment but officials generally invite a surplus of potential speakers before making a decision based on responses received.