UK government cancels controversial Orange Order march in Portadown
The British government has withdrawn permission for an Orange Order parade to pass through a Catholic neighbourhood of Portadown, citing security concerns.
In September, the NI Parades Commission allowed the Orange Order to march on Garvaghy Road in Portadown, marking the first such permission since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended the Troubles. The route runs through a Catholic district that had been off-limits for decades due to past violence. On 27 September, local Catholic residents set up a blockade, with deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill present.
Police informed officials that the parade could not proceed without a massive police operation. After consulting the police chief, Minister for Northern Ireland Chris Bryant announced that the march would not go ahead, reversing the earlier local authority decision.
Why it matters
Cancelling the march helps prevent possible clashes in a community with a history of sectarian violence.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Northern Ireland officials urge compromise as Drumcree parade deadlock reaches third day
- Oct 9 Police have now sent interview notices to the First Minister and three Sinn Féin officials.
- Oct 10 Sir Chris Bryant announced the ban on the Drumcree parade.
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