Drumcree: Secretary of state Sir Chris Bryant to ban the Drumcree parade
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has officially banned the contentious Orange Order parade at Drumcree. The decision follows advice from the police regarding the high risk of disorder and potential for wider conflict.
Why it matters
The Drumcree parade is a long-standing flashpoint in Northern Ireland politics, and this decision reflects ongoing tensions regarding public order and sectarian history.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant says he will ban the Drumcree parade
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has banned the contentious Orange Order parade at Drumcree.
The dispute led to a stand-off between Orangemen and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown lasting almost two weeks.
Sir Chris said the PSNI chief constable advised him "it would not be possible to enable the procession to happen without a major intervention which would carry an unacceptable risk of serious injury, disorder and a wider contagion effect across Northern Ireland".
His decision has been welcomed by Sinn Féin and the SDLP, but the DUP leader said he now needs to "explain what his government intends to do to restore confidence in the rule of law".
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