Full Breakdown
Ofcom Investigates GB News Over Anti-LGBTQ Remarks
8/10/2026, 8:26:19 PM
Core Event
On June 20 2026 and July 5 2026 the UK media regulator Ofcom opened formal standards investigations into two GB News programmes after thousands of viewers complained that guests linked Pride events to bestiality, paedophilia and other “unhealthy kinks.” The investigations focus on the June 20 broadcast of *The Saturday Five* and the July 5 edition of *Alex Armstrong Tonight*, where the comments sparked a record level of public complaints.
Background & Context
GB News has previously faced Ofcom scrutiny for anti-LGBTQ remarks. In 2025 the regulator concluded that presenter Josh Howie breached the Broadcasting Code after suggesting full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people at a church would “include paedos.” Although more than 71,500 complaints were logged, sanctions were not imposed after the channel issued an apology and a follow-up discussion. The current probes arrive amid broader pressure on Ofcom to enforce its rules on material that may cause offence.
Data & Statistics
- Good Law Project reported more than 12,000 complaints about the *Alex Armstrong Tonight* episode.
- An additional 3,000 complaints were lodged concerning *The Saturday Five* broadcast.
- The combined total of 15,000 complaints represents the highest single-programme tally recorded by Ofcom for a GB News broadcast.
Official Statements & Responses
Ofcom confirmed that both programmes are now subject to standards investigations, noting that its code requires any potentially offensive material to be justified by context.
The Good Law Project, which lodged the complaint, argued that the statements “blatantly homophobic” and promoted hate toward the LGBTQ+ community. Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward welcomed the regulator’s decision, stating that the suggestion gay people pose a particular threat to children is “baseless, irresponsible and deeply harmful.”
Presenter Alex Armstrong publicly pushed back, saying he does not believe Pride events are “full of paedophiles” and emphasizing that the overwhelming majority of participants attend “for good reasons.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Zack was right to complain about it at the time,” — Rachel Millward, Green Party deputy leader
- “Gay men and gay couples are more prone to not only domestic abuse amongst each other, but child sexual assault with their adopted children.” — Syntyche Djunga, commentator on *The Saturday Five*
- “I think the problem that Pride has is [that it’s] not about gay rights. It has become about celebrating every single sexuality that isn’t heterosexuality,” — Caroline Farrow, Catholic commentator and CitizenGO campaigns manager
