The Metropolitan Police have announced an order prohibiting the use of amplifiers outside Number 10 as Andy Burnham prepares to deliver his inaugural speech as prime minister today, reports BritPanorama.
Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, will address the nation from the steps of Number 10, marking his entry as the UK’s seventh leader in a decade.
The new prime minister is anticipated to present a 10-year plan aimed at providing “breathing room” for struggling households, acknowledging the swift turnover of leadership in recent years.
The police stated on social media: “Conditions are in place on Whitehall tomorrow (Monday, 20 July). Anyone assembling near the Downing Street gates to observe events linked to the new prime minister must not use any amplified noise equipment and must stay within the shaded area.”
These measures will be enforced from 10.30 until 13.30, coinciding with Burnham’s expected address.
Notably, past significant speeches at the prime minister’s residence have often been interrupted by pranksters using loudspeakers.
For instance, during Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement last month, activist Steve Bray played the European Union anthem “Ode to Joy” outside Downing Street, which was audible to live viewers of the event.
Similarly, Bray disrupted Rishi Sunak’s announcement of the 2024 general election two years ago with the Labour Party’s theme song “Things Can Only Get Better.”
Bray claims he was subsequently banned from areas surrounding Whitehall and Parliament due to his antics, yet has continued to return.
The police order now aims to prevent any such disruptions to Burnham’s speech, specifically banning loudspeaker use.
In a shift following the order, Bray has reportedly moved to Buckingham Palace, as indicated by video shared on social media.
After becoming Labour leader on Friday, Burnham faces a brief wait over the weekend before today’s expected formal invitation to form his government from King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
Announcements regarding his cabinet selections and government plans are anticipated later today.
The stage is set as Burnham prepares to take on the responsibilities of leadership amidst a landscape of heightened political expectation.
