'Stop Brexit man' cleared over noisy protest

Steve Bray, an anti-Brexit activist commonly referred to as "Stop Brexit man," was acquitted of charges related to playing music on loudspeakers during a protest outside the UK Parliament. The incident in question occurred on March 20, 2024, shortly before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced questions in the House of Commons. Bray maintained that his music was integral to his right to protest, a sentiment echoed by the court's ruling. Deputy District Judge Anthony Woodcock acknowledged Bray's dedication to communicating his anti-Tory message effectively. Following the verdict, Bray emphasized the significance of the ruling for all protesters, stating, "Today is a very important day...

for everybody's freedom of expression. " He intends to persist with his musical protests, which have included notable tracks like D:Ream's "Things Can Only Get Better. " The case underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the balance between public order and the right to free expression in the UK. Witness accounts of the disruptive nature of Bray's music highlighted the complexities of protest dynamics in urban settings.