Activist Steve Bray Acquitted Over Westminster Protest Music Ban

Court rules in favor of Bray’s right to protest, clearing him of charges related to playing satirical anti-government music near Parliament.

Steve Bray, known as 'Stop Brexit Man,' was cleared of violating a police ban on playing music near Parliament in a Westminster Magistrates’ Court ruling on April 14, 2025.
The case stemmed from a March 20, 2024, incident where Bray played satirical music, including themes from The Muppets and Darth Vader, as former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived for Prime Minister’s Questions.
Police seized Bray’s speakers after issuing a notice and map indicating restrictions under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which Bray disputed as outdated.
Deputy District Judge Anthony Woodcock highlighted Bray’s use of satire as part of a long-standing tradition of political critique and acknowledged his right to protest.
The court’s decision ends a year-long legal dispute, reinforcing the balance between public order enforcement and the right to political expression.