Keir Starmer speech overshadowed by blaring music as EU protest song unsettles Prime Minister

Sir Keir Starmer has officially announced his resignation as Prime Minister, but his speech was somewhat overshadowed by the loud music being played in the background.

As the 63-year-old delivered his emotional speech from Downing Street this morning (22 June), many were left unable to hear exactly what he was saying, due to the antics of Liberal Democrat activist Steve Bray.

He blasted Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' during the speech, long recognised as the official anthem of the European Union, in a repeat of his trick from two years ago, when he played 'Things Can Only Get Better' when Rishi Sunak announced a general election.

LBC reporter Lewis Goodall wrote: "Steve Bray blasting Ode to Joy, ruining nationally historic moments like this for us and posterity, is a complete disgrace. A yob."

Starmer had chosen Ode to Joy as the piece that 'best summed up' the Labour party back in 2023, something which naturally raised a lot of eyebrows among Brexiteers, many of whom have struggled to connect with the prime minister during his two years in charge of the country.

After Keir Starmer went back inside No. 10, the satirical ‘Brexit Song’, which has a chorus that says ‘We all live in a Brexit tragedy’ was also played outside the gates to Downing Street.

Speaking to Classic FM in 2023, Starmer said of ‘Ode to Joy’: "You’ve got the orchestra, you’ve got the voices, you’ve got this big combination. This is very sort of Labour. Beethoven’s getting everybody onto the stage for this."

He added: "I talk about a national mission for the next Labour government. This is a sense of something. It has got a sense of destiny and is hugely optimistic. There are many others that I could associate with the Labour Party, but it’s that sense of moving forward to a better place, is incredibly powerful."

In his younger years, the Labour politician played the flute, recorder and violin as a Guildhall music scholar.

There have been rumours for some weeks now that Starmer could resign (Carlos Jasso - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

His resignation also potentially paves the way for Andy Burnham to take over at Downing Street having recently been made the MP of Makerfield.

Speaking at around 9.30am today, Starmer thanked the British public for bringing him in, describing it as the 'proudest moment of his life' when he first stepped through the doors at 10 Downing Street.

In his speech, he said: "A page in our country's history turned after years of disappointment and despair. The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That's what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt."

"I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security, and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with, not against, our national flag."

Andy Burnham is likely to run for Prime Minister now (Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

He went on to say that he had 'heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace'.

"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first," Starmer added.

Announcing he would resign, he was emotional as he said: "I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision. I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on the 9th of July. And completed by the summer recess."

He added: "I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited 2 years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office."

"I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country's extraordinary civil service who dedicate their lives to public service.

"And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job: being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy. Thank you very much."