AROUND 100 noisy demonstrators urged the Oxford Union stop inviting 'fascists’ to the city yesterday.

The protest, in response to an invitation to far-right politician Marion Marechal-Le Pen, saw streets blocked, minor scuffles and a large police presence in central Oxford.

Protesters braved the snow to bang pots and pans, whistle and chant anti-fascist slogans ahead of the members-only speech, in scenes reminiscent of a far larger demonstration against Steve Bannon in November.

Protesters also chanted 'who protects the Nazis? Police protect the Nazis' and 'get those animals off those horses' at police.

READ AGAIN: Huge protest blocks streets near Oxford Union in Bannon backlash

Anti-muslim Ms Marechal-Le Pen, 29, is seen as a ‘rising star’ of the far-right and is the niece of French National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, who came second in the last Presidential election.

Oxford Mail:

The Union’s invitation has drawn stinging criticism from a range of local figures, including more than 150 open letter signatories who demanded the it be withdrawn. Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds told organisers to 'grow up' and stop inviting 'racist after racist'. 

Oxford Stand Up To Racism's Kate Douglas said the invite came amid 'a climate of rising racist attacks... when the spectre of fascism is stalking Europe’. 

READ MORE: 

- Open letter slams 'appalling' Union invite to far-right figure

- Oxford Union's latest 'disgraceful stunt' causes more outrage

She added: “By repeatedly giving platforms to far-right and fascist sympathisers, the Union is making it easier for fascists to present themselves as a normal part of mainstream politics. This poses a threat to everyone who believes in freedom and democracy.”

The Union has a long-history of courting controversy and unpopular figures over the years. 

Oxford Mail:

One protester, Summertown's Rabyah Khan, added: “Marechal-Le Pen is not welcome here. Her abhorrent views go against everything Oxford residents want and stand for: a welcoming, inclusive city that prides itself on diversity.

“People from all sorts of backgrounds have come together to protest, once again, the Union inviting a fascist to speak.”

A counter-demonstrator, student Maya Thomas, 20, from the 'Oxford Society for Full Discourse', defended the union and demonstrators' right to protest, but said: "lots of chants are not aimed at her policies - it seems like random anger."

One passerby, Headington's Calvin Robins, 35, said the scenes were 'nuts' and the speech should have been done 'over a conference call' because of the disruption caused.

The Oxford Union's president, Daniel Wilkinson, said: President, Daniel Wilkinson: "We understand and respect the right to peaceful protest, and we are pleased that people are out speaking their minds. We do hope that the members who wish to attend the talk will have the opportunity to do so, and that those who are protesting do so safely.

"We would invite any protesters who are members to attend the talk and use the opportunity to engage with her ideas in a peaceful and constructive manner."

Police said no arrests were made at the event.