A former MP and ex-President of Turning Point UK, the British branch of the organisation founded by Charlie Kirk, has pulled out of a debate at the Oxford Union. Marco Longhi is refusing to attend the debate over comments made by the union’s incoming president appearing to celebrate Mr Kirk’s murder. Student George Abaraonye posted a message on Instagram which read “Charlie Kirk got shot loool”, after the right-wing commentator was killed while speaking at a university in Utah.
In a letter to the Union, Mr Longhi said: “I am writing to inform you that I have decided to withdraw from the debate to which I was invited.
“Following the vile and unacceptable statement made by your incoming President regarding the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, I no longer believe the Oxford Union represents a space for genuine debate, fairness, and free speech.
“As the former President of Turning Point UK, I am appalled and disgusted by his remarks. In my view, someone who holds such views should not be in a position of leadership at an institution with the Union’s history and reputation.
“It is deeply disappointing to witness cracks forming in what was once one of the world’s great universities, and I cannot in good conscience lend my presence to an organisation that tolerates such behaviour.”
Mr Longhi, a former Tory MP who has since joined Reform, had been due to speak in favour of the motion “This House Believes that the Sun should have never set on the British Empire” on November 6.
Mr Abaraonye has said he “reacted impulsively” and his “words did not reflect” his values.
The Oxford Union has said its incoming president will face disciplinary proceedings.
In a statement posted on social media on Saturday the world-famous debating society said: “The Oxford Union has already issued a statement condemning the president-elect’s inappropriate remarks. We emphasise that these are his personal views and not those of the union, nor do they represent the values of our institution.
“At the same time, we are deeply disturbed by and strongly condemn the racial abuse and threats that George has faced in response. No individual should ever be attacked because of the colour of their skin or the community they come from.
“Threats to his life are abhorrent. Such rhetoric has no place online, or anywhere in society.
“The Oxford Union has always been one of the world’s foremost defenders of free speech. We will continue to defend freedom of expression in all its forms.
“But free speech cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation or hate. The Oxford Union does not possess executive powers to summarily dismiss a president-elect.
“However, the complaints filed against the president-elect have been forwarded for disciplinary proceedings and will be addressed with the utmost seriousness. Our duty is to demonstrate to our members, the university community, alumni and the wider public that disagreement must be expressed through debate and dialogue, not through abuse or threats.
“That is the tradition we uphold and it is the standard we will continue to set.”
Mr Kirk and Mr Abaraonye, a politics, philosophy and economics student, met during a debate on “toxic masculinity” held by the Oxford Union in May.
The pair disagreed throughout the debate but the conversation remained civil.
Describing itself as “the most prestigious debating society in the world”, the Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and counts historical figures including Malcolm X among those to have attended its discussions.