Why have the police banned amplifiers outside No 10 for Andy Burnham’s speech?

Why have the police banned amplifiers outside No 10 for Andy Burnham’s speech? The familiar backing track will not be heard for Andy Burnham’s inaugural speech today - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments The Metropolitan Police have announced that they will not allow amplifiers outside of Number 10 today as Andy Burnham makes his inaugural speech as prime minister. Taking to the steps of Number 10, the former Manchester mayor will mark the advent of the UK’s seventh leader in ten years. Mr Burnham is expected to outline a 10-year plan as he addresses the nation, pledging to give struggling households “breathing room” and acknowledging that he is “acutely conscious” of the rapid turnover of PM’s over the past decade. Writing on social media, the Metropolitan Police said: “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 conditions will last between 10.30 and 13.30, the force added, when Mr Burnham is expected to speak. Previous major speeches outside the prime minister’s residence have been marked by unplanned backing tracks, as pranksters look to make light of the occasion. Last month, Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement was disrupted by pro-EU activist Steve Bray, who played the European Union anthem Ode to Joy outside the gates of Downing Street. The tune could be heard by those watching the event broadcast live. Two years earlier, Mr Bray also disrupted then-prime minister rain-soaked Rishi Sunak’s announcement of the 2024 general election with the D:Ream song Things Can Only Get Better, the theme song of the Labour Party’s successful 1997 election campaign. The prankster claims he was subsequently banned from every street around Whitehall and Parliament for the prank, but has since returned regularly. Today’s order will legally prevent Mr Bray from disrupting Mr Burnham’s speech using loudspeaker equipment, alongside any other would-be pranksters. In response to the order, he has relocated to Buckingham Palace, video footage shared on social media shows. Mr Burnham became Labour leader on Friday, facing a wait over the weekend to subsequently become prime minister. After Sir Keir Starmer gives his resignation to King Charles today, Mr Burnham will visit the monarch – likely at Buckingham Palace – where he will be invited to form his government. Details of the former mayor’s cabinet picks are expected on Monday evening, possibly alongside further detail on his plans for government. For the latest updates as Mr Burnham becomes prime minister, follow The Independent’s live blog Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments