Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Stephen Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, tweeted that he had been recalled to prison to prevent him from "exposing the facts" at Oxford Union

The founder and former leader of the English Defence League will not talk at the Oxford Union as he is back in jail.

Stephen Lennon, who calls himself Tommy Robinson, was sentenced in January to 18 months in prison for mortgage fraud.

He was released in June under licence and had been due to debate at the prestigious union on Thursday.

A statement on Facebook from his supporters said: "Tommy Robinson has been recalled to prison for responding to a threat on Twitter."

'Police persecution'

His lawyers said the recall was for a fixed term of 28 days, according to a spokesman for the union.

Mr Lennon tweeted: "I was going to speak this Thursday exposing police persecution and tactics.

"Police are at my house recalling me back to prison for my licence, reason given that I responded to a death threat targeting my family.

"All this to prevent me exposing the facts on Thursday at Oxford Union."

An email was sent to students which said: "Tommy Robinson has recently been recalled into custody and so is unlikely to be able to speak."

Lennon had previously been due to talk at the Union in September last year but the event was cancelled amid security concerns.

The institution said at the time it could not afford the security for the events.

Mr Lennon co-founded the English Defence League in 2009 and left last year.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "We do not comment on individuals.

"Offenders on Home Detention Curfew must comply with the conditions of their curfew or release licence. If they fail to do so, they can be immediately recalled to custody."

The union hopes Mr Lennon will speak later this term.

Correction: This story has been amended to remove reference to Mr Lennon still working with the Quilliam Foundation. They worked together while Mr Lennon was in the process of leaving the EDL.