An anti-racism group has voiced concerns after the far right campaigner, Tommy Robinson weighed in on the Bicester asylum site argument.
Oxfordshire Stand Up To Racism spoke out after a video surfaced reportedly showing Robinson (real name; Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) interviewing another activist, claiming that immigrants are deliberately being imported and housed on MOD sites in preparation for a military uprising.
The footage comes as controversial plans for an asylum centre at Bicester continue to spark protests across the region.
But now, Stand Up To Racism has criticised the Bicester Against MOD Asylum Centre group, claiming it is building links with 'far-right activists'.
Ian Mckendrick, vice chair of Oxfordshire Stand Up To Racism said in a statement: "We condemn the organisers of this group for the racist links they are building.
"It is truly shocking that the organisers are promoting far right activists with violent criminal histories on their campaign Facebook page."
The video shared by the group features Daniel Thomas (AKA Danny Tommo) and his long-standing collaborator Robinson who has multiple convictions for violence, fraud and contempt of court.
Mr Mckendrick said in reaction to this video: "This is dangerous fear mongering designed to provoke a violent response.
"We have seen this multiple times from Thomas and Yaxley-Lennon whipping up hate where violence then ensued.
"Look at Southampton and Belfast earlier this summer.
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"The campaign's first rally featured a far right activist Paul Dunbar who called migrants 'invading orcs'.
"It is no wonder we are receiving reports of an increase in on-street racism directed against Bicester residents."
Oxford Stand Up to Racism campaigned in Bicester town centre on Saturday (August, 1) calling for an end to the government's plan to force people seeking asylum into "mass inhumane camps", and for action to be taken to build communities where people are integrated instead.
The group encourage Bicester residents who oppose the camp but who do not want to be associated with "far right racists" to join them.
In June the Home Office unveiled its controversial accommodation plans for three Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites, including MOD Bicester - Site A of the Bicester Garrison, between Piddington and Upper Arncott.
The plans have drawn significant opposition, with Piddington, an Oxfordshire village near Bicester even attracting international media attention through its campaign to declare 'independence' from the United Kingdom, with the story being shared by Elon Musk on X.
Cherwell District Council recently had its power over major planning decisions stripped from it, and proposals in the Cherwell area can now bypass its representatives, going straight to the government's planning inspectorate.
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