Victory for Protest: How 'Stop Brexit Man' Defied Police Orders and Celebrated Free Speech

An anti-Brexit activist, Steve Bray, known widely as ”Stop Brexit man”, has emerged victorious in a legal battle concerning a protest in Parliament Square. Bray, aged 56, was accused of violating a police ban on playing loud music during a demonstration on 20 March, shortly before then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was to answer questions in the House of Commons. Bray defended his actions, asserting that his music was an integral part of his fundamental right to protest.

At the Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Deputy District Judge Anthony Woodcock ruled that Bray was not guilty of failing to comply with police orders, emphasizing Bray’s desire to spread an important message that required the volume he maintained during protests. Bray, who hails from Port Talbot, Wales, expressed that the verdict is a significant win for freedom of expression, not just for him, but for all activists.

Bray, well-known for his unique style of protest music, recalled using familiar tunes such as edits from the Muppets and the Darth Vader theme during protests aimed at Rishi Sunak. He had drawn police attention shortly before the Prime Minister’s arrival when officers informed him about a police notice that restricted his use of loudspeakers in certain areas of Parliament Square. Despite the police directing him to stop, Bray continued until officers seized his speakers around 12:33 PM.

His legal challenges included accusations of non-compliance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which outlined prohibiting activities within the controlled area of Parliament Square. Bray argued that the police’s map indicating restricted areas was incorrect and outdated, claiming the officers had given him the wrong map. Witnesses described his music as disruptive, with sounds audible from high-rise buildings nearby. Nonetheless, Bray stood firm to his rights and vowed to continue his protest methods, reaffirming his commitment to vocalizing dissent against government policies.