Brief
UUP leader urges restraint as Northern Ireland Secretary bans Orange Order parade
Burrows warned against expanding the Drumcree parade dispute while police investigate alleged law‑breaking.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows urged the dispute over the Drumcree Orange Order parade to remain confined to Drumcree, after Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant ordered a ban on the march along Portadown's Garvaghy Road.
Burrows spoke to MLAs at Stormont during a Members' Statements session on Tuesday, saying he had heard calls to "bring it on" and expand parade disputes across Northern Ireland, which he called "absolute folly". He appealed to the Orange Order and its supporters to obey the law, warning that participation in unnotified processions can lead to criminal records, credit damage, employment discipline and even travel restrictions to the United States.
The ban follows police inability to facilitate the parade, which had been given the green light for the first time in almost 30 years. Police are now investigating possible law‑breaking linked to the Parades Commission's determination that the return Drumcree parade should travel along Garvaghy Road with conditions.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin and People Before Profit representatives have been invited by police for interviews. Burrows said he will meet Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and the Public Prosecution Service to discuss concerns, and urged the unionist community to focus on promoting Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom while ensuring accountability for any illegal actions.
Key facts
- Jon Burrows urged the Drumcree dispute to stay confined to Drumcree. (standard.co.uk)
- Sir Chris Bryant banned the Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road. (standard.co.uk)
- Police are investigating potential law‑breaking related to the parade. (standard.co.uk)
- Burrows warned participants of legal and personal consequences, including travel bans to the United States. (standard.co.uk)
- Burrows will meet Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and the Public Prosecution Service. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “UUP leader urges against ‘escalating Drumcree dispute’ to other parades”
