Unionists attack and deride refusal to fire Parades Commissioners as DUP boss dubs decision 'indefensible' - though review branded 'a victory for unionism'

The DUP boss was reacting to the decision from Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to give his “full backing” to the remaining five commissioners in the wake of last week’s court findings against them, which pointed to flaws in their refusal to permit the Drumcree parade down Portadown’s Garvaghy Road.

Meanwhile fellow DUP MP Carla Lockhart, whose Upper Bann constituency covers Portadown, mocked Sir Chris’ decision, saying it “does not pass the laugh test” – though she hailed a review into the commission a “victory for unionism”.

The UUP were also supportive of Sir Chris’ decision to open up an inquiry, led by a judge, into how the Parades Commission operates.

However, the TUV said this has merely given Sir Chris something to “hide behind” now that he has “bottled” a decision to sack the board (see below).

Sir Chris made his much-anticipated announcement this afternoon, having given the five remaining commissioners a deadline of last Friday to convice him that they deserve to be kept on (one had already quit last week).

Sir Chris’ statement said: “I have considered the commission’s response to that ruling and, while I am satisfied that the issues raised are being taken seriously and progress is being made, I have decided that an independent review is needed to provide assurance on and consider improvements to the commission’s processes and procedures.

“This will strengthen the commission’s immediate and future work.

"In the meantime, the current commissioners have my full backing.”

The terms of office for two of the five remaining board members will expire in March 2027, and the remaining three expire in December 2026.

Sir Chris added: “I would urge everyone to support the independent judge-led review and to give the commission time and space to rebuild confidence and regain its footing.

“There is no justification for anyone stepping outside the law, including in relation to the lawful notification of parades.”

This is a reference to the possibility, raised by the Orange Order itself, that march organisers will simply stop dealing with the commission under its current leadership.

The commission itself said that it welcomes Sir Chris’ “recognition of its important work, his support for the commissioners, and our plan to address the issues raised in the recent court proceedings”, as well as welcoming the review and pledging: “we will cooperate fully with that”.

It added that the commission has ordered its own “rigorous, objective, and independent review of all its processes”, and that “individually and collectively, we are committed to fulfilling our statutory responsibilities and to working towards peaceful and respectful parading, reducing tensions, and improving community relations”.

DUP REACT:

Gavin Robinson said: “The Secretary of State’s decision to establish an independent judge-led review acknowledges the seriousness of the High Court’s findings.

"However, his decision to give the current commissioners his ‘full backing’ is indefensible.

"The court identified fundamental failures in their decision-making.

"Those responsible cannot credibly remain in post while the very processes over which they presided are investigated.”

Mr Robinson added: “The review cannot become an exercise in institutional protection or a means of shielding individuals from accountability. I will examine its terms of reference and its scope.

"This organisation needs to change. That is not optional.”

Ms Lockhart said: “A judge-led review is a significant victory for unionism, the marching bands and loyal orders.

"The Parades Commission is an organisation devoid of any credibility, and it is welcome their governance and decision-making will now be scrutinised by a judge-led review...

”However, the Secretary of State giving his full backing to the remaining Commissioners to be frank doesn’t pass the laugh test.

"In attaching himself to them, his credibility falls with theirs.”

SF – ‘ACTION IS RECKLESS’:

Sinn Fein meanwhile issued a statement from councillor Catherine Nelson, saying: “The issue of an unwanted march on Garvaghy Road is closed.

“In previous years, the people of Garvaghy Road were subjected to sectarianism, intimidation, and violence as marches were forced through their community.

“That cannot and will not be allowed to happen again.

“The residents of Garvaghy Road have the right to live in peace, free from sectarian harassment...

“The British government is now choosing to indulge the dangerous and reckless actions of unionist leaders by announcing today’s review of the Parades Commission."

TUV SAYS BRYANT ‘ROLLED OVER’:

TUV leader Jim Allister said: “He knows the Commission does not, and cannot, enjoy cross-community confidence.

"Yet, he has rolled over, hiding behind a review.

“Is the truth that the commission bounced him by threatening to all resign if, as he ought, he sacked the wholly discredited chair? Looks like it to me!

“Now he has created the worst of all messes - a wholly discredited commission, with its history of unlawful conduct, supposed to adjudicate on a fresh Drumcree application!

“By his climbdown the Secretary of State has compounded the farce that now governs parading.

"He is much diminished by his retreat from the principle of public confidence which he proclaimed.”

UUP CHIEF WANTS ‘PROPER RESET’:

UUP leader Jon Burrows said: “An independent, judge-led review is the right course of action. It is what Portadown District itself requested, and I support that call.

"However, the review's terms of reference must extend beyond processes and procedures.”

It should also cover the wider “culture” of the organisation, and the possibility of creating an “appeals mechanism” for rejected parades.

Mr Burrows added: “On the commissioners, I have been clear that confidence has been lost.

"Steps should now be taken to appoint fresh commissioners in a timely and orderly manner...

"Successive governments have shored up the Parades Commission and defended its processes, despite failures that were apparent to many of us long before they were identified by the courts.

"We now need a proper reset to ensure that the commission commands confidence across the community.”

His aim is for Drumcree “to be resolved permanently and peacefully”.