In a significant development in the war of words concerning far-right French politician Marine’s Le Pen’s controversial appearance at the Oxford Union, a member of the Union has issued a denial that his cardboard sign with the words ‘We <3 Marine’ was in any way a statement of support for her.
James Yeo, a History and Politics student at Oriel College and member of the Union’s Secretary’s Committee, was seen waving the glittercovered banner as Ms. Le Pen entered the chamber, with other members bearing posters with statements such as ‘Front National Rocks!’ and ‘Je Suis Le Pen’.
Yeo clarified that the creation of elaborate posters is in fact a Union tradition dating back to the late 19th century, and is part of a deeply sophisticated form of irony which ultimately facilitates an informed critique of its ‘target’, lamenting that most people just aren’t really able to understand such a level of intellectual complexity.
He did concede that there was a greater ambiguity as to why Le Pen was allowed to crowdsurf following her response to an accusation of Holocaust denial, and promised that there would be a full investigation.
As Le Pen left the chamber, a number of audience members saluted her with the Front National’s trademark ‘Le Pen’ salute; an outstretched right arm holding a pen. The pen symbolises freedom of speech, a principle which is famously important to the far-right, as well as being a pun on ‘Le Pen’.
Accusations that this resembles the Nazi salute have long been denied by members of the Front National, with the Party Secretary describing the ‘Le Pen’ salute as “simply a statement about how much we value free speech for all, even the Jews”.
Other critics have questioned how the ‘Le Pen’/holding a pen pun would even work in France, seeing as the French for ‘the pen’ is ‘le stylo’ not ‘le pen’.
On Tuesday, the President of the Oxford Union defended the fact that Marine Le Pen’s invite puts her in the same company as a number of Nobel Peace Prize winners, saying “we haven’t offered her special treatment in any way – at the end of the day she’s only been afforded the same platform as the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.”
This has been queried though, as it has emerged that the golden throne on which Le Pen was seated is not typical.
Late last night, James Yeo attempted to defuse the tension by reminding people of the ultimate triviality of the entire situation, posting a witty paraphrase of The IT Crowd on social media, “If people have a problem with fascist politicians being granted a prestigious platform to speak here in Oxford, then maybe we should all just move to Iran.”
In response, Ibrahim Ali, a PPEist at Balliol and prominent figure in the Oxford Activist Network, conceded, “I suppose it is all pretty hilarious really, I feel a bit daft for being such a killjoy now.
“Ultimately what does it really matter if a virulently Islamophobic Holocaust-denier is welcomed into one of the most prominent institutions associated with our University and applauded by my fellow students?
“It’s not as if granting increased status to racist views makes hate crimes against Muslims and other groups more likely. And when you think about it, it is so important that people in the UK get more and more opportunities to hear what she has to say.”
