Labour MP pulls out of Oxford Union debate with Katie Hopkins after students call for boycott

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Labour MP pulled out of an Oxford Union debate on ‘no platforming' with TV star Katie Hopkins after students called for a boycott of the debating society. Her decision came after students signed an open letter, organised by campaign group ‘Boycott the Oxford Union’, calling for the society to stop inviting “fascist and racist” speakers. Genevieve Athis, president of the Oxford Union, said she was “very disappointed” that Ms Shah dropped out of the debate “at such a late stage.” She told student newspaper Cherwell: “I think it is a great shame that instead of debating Ms Hopkins in our chamber Ms Shah has decided to not participate altogether and I am sure that many of our members will also be deeply disappointed by this.” Ms Hopkins said on Twitter that it was ironic that the MP pulled out of a no platforming debate. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events "However, with everything including freedom of speech, there is always a line to be drawn and I draw the line at those who use racism to dehumanise people, especially those from minority groups.” She added: “Speaking at the Oxford Union is supposed to be an honour and a privilege.