Sir Oliver Dowden, who previously served as deputy prime minister under Rishi Sunak, has demanded that Welsh anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray face a ban following Monday’s disruption of Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement.
The former Conservative minister accused Mr Bray of causing “considerable international embarrassment” after the activist broadcast the EU’s official anthem outside Downing Street during the Prime Minister’s address.
Speaking in the Commons, Sir Oliver urged David Lammy to work with police to prevent what he described as “ridiculous heckling and disruption of prime ministers on the steps of Downing Street”.
His intervention received vocal support from fellow MPs.
The Port Talbot activist defiantly played Ode To Joy throughout Sir Keir’s statement, which began shortly after 9.30am on Monday morning.
Footage showed the Prime Minister visibly struggling to make himself audible as the European anthem rang out across Whitehall.
Mr Bray, a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, has form for musical interventions at significant political moments.
When Rishi Sunak announced the 2024 General Election from the same location, the campaigner blasted D-Ream’s Things Can Only Get Better, the track synonymous with Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide victory.
Sir Oliver Dowden has called Steve Bray to be banned after his disruption during Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation speech
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He has also staged demonstrations at Conservative Party conferences and outside Boris and Carrie Johnson’s wedding.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged the validity of Sir Oliver’s concerns during the Commons exchange.
“He has stood in my shoes on the steps of Downing Street, and I do think there are these moments where the country are watching in and they do want to be able to hear prime ministers of the day speak.
“So I recognise the points that he raises,” Mr Lammy responded.
Steve Bray has defended his position on social media
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Mr Bray earned the nickname “Stop Brexit Man” during the years following the 2016 referendum, becoming a familiar presence outside Parliament with his loudspeaker and music.
He now limits his Westminster appearances to major events and Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesdays.
Bray defended his actions on social media later on Monday, insisting the anthem was played “out of respect (at) background volume”. He pointed to another protester at the scene, writing: “If you were at Downing Street there was a man with a megaphone slagging off Labour and Keir constant.
“It could be heard so there you go.
“Not disrespectful in my opinion, but you are entitled to your opinion.”
The campaigner has previously won legal battles over his protest methods.
In April 2025, he was acquitted of breaching a police ban after playing anti-Conservative and anti-Brexit song edits outside Parliament, successfully arguing his actions constituted a peaceful protest.