🕊️ Standing Against Hate: A Call for Unity and Action

🕊️ Standing Against Hate: A Call for Unity and Action

From the Gay Professional Network and the Gay Business Association

On 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.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)

 The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is a UK government-backed initiative launched by the British Business Bank in July 2024 to provide smaller businesses with improved access to finance for investment and growth. It functions as the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) and allows businesses to apply for term loans, overdrafts, and other finance types through accredited lenders. A key feature is the 70% government-backed guarantee to the lender, encouraging them to offer better terms to borrowers by reducing their risk. Businesses can access funding through GGS-accredited lenders until March 31, 2026, with loan amounts typically up to £2 million, though the final decision rests with the lender after standard credit checks.  

How the Scheme Works

Apply to a Lender: 
Small businesses should approach a GGS-accredited lender, such as HSBC, Lloyds Bank, or Barclays. 
Assessment: 
The lender assesses the business's application, conducting standard credit and fraud checks. 
Lender Decision: 
If the lender can offer a commercial facility on better terms without the GGS guarantee, they will do so. If not, and the business is eligible, the lender may use the GGS to provide the finance. 
Benefit to Business: 
The GGS helps improve the terms of the loan, including potentially more favourable interest rates and repayment periods. 

Key Features and Eligibility

Successor to RLS: 
The GGS replaces the Recovery Loan Scheme as the government's flagship support scheme for SMEs. 
Government Guarantee: 
The British Business Bank guarantees up to 70% of the loan value to the lender, which encourages them to take on more lending. 
Loan Purpose: 
The finance can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including managing cash flow, working capital, and other investments. 
Loan Amounts: 
Funding is available for facilities up to £2 million for most businesses in the UK. 
Duration: 
Applications for the scheme are open until March 31, 2026. 

Who Should Apply?

Small businesses in the UK seeking finance to invest and grow. 
Businesses of various sizes may be eligible, with eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis by the lender. 

Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) - British Business Bank

About the scheme. The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme. It is designed to support access to fi...

British Business Bank

About the Growth Guarantee Scheme | British Business Bank

Open for applications. The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is available for businesses through a number of British Business Bank acc...

British Business Bank

Growth Guarantee Scheme | Loans | Lloyds Bank Business

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) went live on 1st July and is the successor to The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS). Growth Guarantee S...

Lloyds Ba