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Holocaust Denier Roils Oxford Union

Invitation to debate prompts flurry of protests; MP resigns

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 26, 2007 11:46 AM CST
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(Newser) – A British MP tendered his resignation to the Oxford Union yesterday in protest of the debating society’s invitation to Holocaust denier David Irving and anti-immigration leader Nick Griffin to speak tonight, reports the Telegraph. Julian Lewis, the Conservative Party’s shadow defense minister, said he was “ashamed” of the decision by the students, who voted 1,062 to 640 to hear the speakers.

The Oxford Union's president said his aim was to fight fascism with "liberal, informed debate.” Luke Tryl said the speakers would be their own undoing: "I believe their own publicity will destroy them—they will implode." Lewis begged to differ, writing, "Nothing which happens in Monday's debate can possibly offset the boost you are giving to a couple of scoundrels who can put up with anything except being ignored."

Holocaust denier David Irving.
Holocaust denier David Irving.   (Getty Images)
Nick Griffin (center) of the British National Party.
Nick Griffin (center) of the British National Party.   (Getty Images)
Oxford.
Oxford.   (IndexOpen)
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Guardian columnist says debate harmless
Guardian (UK)

 
Holocaust • Oxford • debates • Oxford Union • Julian Lewis • David Irving • Nick Griffin • Luke Tryl

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