Northern Ireland Secretary orders that the Drumcree parade cannot go ahead as determined
9 October 2026
Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, made an order under Section 11 of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act so that the Drumcree procession cannot go ahead as it was determined.
He acted after the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland made a Section 9 request, which led him to review the Parades Commission's initial determination on the Portadown District's application for a procession on 27 September 2026.
Local negotiations at Hillsborough Castle between the Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge and Garvaghy Road residents did not reach a resolution.
The Chief Constable advised that enabling the procession would require a major intervention carrying an unacceptable risk of serious injury, disorder and wider contagion across Northern Ireland.
The Parades Commission said the original determination no longer has enduring legal effect, while noting that the courts would ultimately decide the question.
The Secretary of State called for all protests, rallies and demonstrations to be stood down.
In plain words
Parades Commission Parades Commission for Northern Ireland — The body that decides conditions on contentious public processions in Northern Ireland.
PSNI Police Service of Northern Ireland — The police force for Northern Ireland, headed by a Chief Constable.