Review ordered of NI Parades Commission decision making
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant has ordered an independent, judge-led review of the Parades Commission following a High Court ruling that criticized the body's decision-making procedures. The review aims to restore public confidence in the commission, which regulates contentious parades in the region.
Why it matters
The commission plays a critical role in maintaining community relations in Northern Ireland, and the judicial criticism highlights significant governance concerns.
A judge-led review has been ordered into how the Parades Commission in Northern Ireland makes its decisions.
Secretary of State Chris Bryant MP made the announcement following a critical High Court judgment last week.
The commission, which adjudicates on contentious parades in Northern Ireland, was heavily criticised by unionist politicians and the Orange Order after the ruling which quashed its determination over the Drumcree parade in Portadown.
High Court judge Mr Justice McAlinden referred to "errors", "short cuts", and "sloppy procedures" in the approach of the commission to making its determination.
The Parades Commission has blocked the order from marching along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown in July every year since 1998.
Some unionist politicians have called for the resignation of the commissioners, including chair Professor Evelyn Collins, following the ruling.
One commissioner, Billy Gamble, who had attracted criticism, resigned from his post on Thursday.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in