🕊️ Standing Against Hate: A Call for Unity and Action
From the Gay Professional Network and the Gay Business AssociationOn 8 October 2025, Old Compton Street—London’s historic LGBTQ+ heart—was targeted by a militant far-right group calling itself the King’s Army. Dressed in black tracksuits and marching in military formation, they chanted “Jesus Saves” while accusing the area of “immorality.” This was not a peaceful protest—it was a calculated act of intimidation.
The UK upholds the right to peaceful demonstration. But this was a flash mob of hate, not a legitimate expression of democratic values. The King’s Army, founded in 2024 and promoted online by Turning Point UK, is part of a rising tide of Christian Nationalist extremism—much of it imported from the United States. Their rhetoric echoes that of Reform UK and other far-right movements, blending religious zealotry with political menace.
> “The spit of the toad does not reach the white dove.”
We were away and hadn’t seen or heard about this until now. But the images and testimonies are clear. To our knowledge, there was no violence on Old Compton Street itself, and the Metropolitan Police reported no offences. Still, the group’s uniformed presence may breach UK laws prohibiting fascist-style political demonstrations. If any infraction occurred, it must be reported. Was this gathering even authorised?
The sight of blackshirt-style formations on London’s streets evokes the ghost of Oswald Mosley—a chilling reminder of what must never return. This cannot be tolerated. A petition to abolish such organisations in the UK would do far more than discussing them here and feeding the algorithm they crave.
What We Stand For
- 🏳️🌈 Dignity, inclusion, and unity
- 🛡️ Protection of our public spaces from hate
- ✍️ Petitioning government to abolish extremist organisations
- 🤝 Supporting communities targeted by hate and division
Old Compton Street is more than a location—it’s a symbol of joy, resilience, and freedom. We call on our members, allies, and fellow citizens to reaffirm the values that make our society strong. Hate has no place in our public squares. Let us respond not with outrage, but with resolve.
Together, we rise above.
