Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Drumcree

12 October 2026 · 15 other contributors

Opened by Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda

Northern Ireland

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Bryant raised concerns about drumcree in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Chris Bryant, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, made a statement on the Drumcree parade decision.
  • The Parades Commission had previously prohibited the parade route down the Garvaghy Road for 28 years.
  • On 25 September, the Parades Commission allowed 35 members of the Portadown lodge to walk along the Garvaghy Road without music.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Chris Bryant

Chris Bryant, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, made a statement on the Drumcree parade decision. He highlighted the history of stand-offs at Drumcree, where the Orange Order and local residents have clashed over the parade route down the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road. The Parades Commission had previously prohibited the parade route down the Garvaghy Road for 28 years, but on 25 September, it allowed 35 members of the Portadown lodge to walk along the Garvaghy Road without music accompaniment on 27 September. However, a temporary injunction on 26 September halted the parade due to an unlawful protest by residents. After extensive negotiations between all parties, including the Portadown Lodge and the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition, no agreement was reached. The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland advised that the parade would carry a risk of serious injury, disorder, and wider contagion if it proceeded. Based on this advice, the Secretary of State used his powers under section 11 of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 to prohibit the parade, acknowledging the changing circumstances and public interest and safety. He emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and appealed to all community leaders to consider the effect of their words.

Other contributors (15)
  • Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar

    Question

    What is behind the statement and what is the nature of the risk cited by the Chief Constable? Was the Secretary of State made aware of a possibility of terrorism or the deployment of firearms or explosives?

    Minister reply

    Chris Bryant acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need to maintain public safety. He stated that he was aware of the Chief Constable's assessment of an unacceptable risk of serious injury, disorder, and wider contagion, but did not specify whether the risk included terrorism or the use of firearms or explosives. He emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who break the law face consequences.

  • Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar

    Question

    Burghart thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and expressed his concern over the scenes in Drumcree, highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law and the Parades Commission's decision. He asked whether the Secretary of State was aware of any terrorism threats or the deployment of firearms or explosives and requested clarity on the nature of the risks involved in the decision to cancel the march.

    Minister reply

    Chris Bryant acknowledged the difficult position he was in but stated that he had received clear advice from the Chief Constable regarding the risks involved. He emphasised that he would not comment on specific intelligence but took full responsibility for his decision based on the advice received. He also emphasised the importance of politicians abiding by the spirit of the law and supporting policing and the courts.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds Central

    Question

    Benn thanked the Secretary of State for his decision and highlighted the progress made since the Good Friday Agreement. He asked what is required to restore confidence in the independent process for determining parades.

    Minister reply

    Chris Bryant noted the shifting views on the Parades Commission and highlighted the ongoing inquiry led by Justice O’Hara to ensure the commission works for the future. He emphasised the need for communities to work closely with the police and support cross-community organisations.

  • Paul Kohler DUP North Antrim

    Question

    Kohler thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and acknowledged the complexity of the issue. He asked about discussions with the Executive and political leaders to ensure institutional stability, the upholding of the rule of law, and support for communities in Portadown, particularly young people.

    Minister reply

    Chris Bryant mentioned the ongoing discussions with the Executive and the offer of £1.5 billion over three years. He highlighted the police's responsibility for unlawful actions and mentioned the need for a breathing space to rebuild cross-community relationships.

  • Colum Eastwood SDLP Mid Ulster

    Question

    Eastwood highlighted the tragic history of violence related to the dispute and questioned the wisdom of trying to force the march down the street. He asked the Secretary of State to work with the Irish Government to ensure proper investment in Portadown to rebuild relationships.

    Minister reply

    Chris Bryant acknowledged the tragic history and the importance of community relations. He stated that he works cooperatively with the Irish Government but emphasised that security in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the UK Government. He committed to enhancing community relations in Northern Ireland.

  • Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East

    Question

    The Secretary of State is right to indicate that the Parades Commission considered and approved the parade, but criticises the lack of emphasis on upholding the rule of law and political accountability. He asks if the Secretary of State will meet to ensure political accountability.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State rejects the charge of succumbing to mob rule, stating that things have passed peacefully. He emphasises the importance of mutual respect and moderation of language between different communities.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Question

    Cites Tom Bingham's principles and commends the Secretary of State for upholding them. He asks if the Secretary of State agrees that mutual respect is essential in building unity.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State appreciates the comment, stating that mutual respect is essential and moments can rapidly descend into disorder. He also emphasises the importance of moderating language.

  • Sorcha Eastwood

    Question

    Comments on the cost of the operation and the lack of societal reconciliation in Northern Ireland since the Good Friday agreement. She asks for respectful engagement across all communities.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State discusses the difficulty of reaching consensus due to louder voices prevailing outside the room. He also mentions that some Members have been vilified for standing up for their constituents.

  • David Smith

    Question

    Thanks the Secretary of State for his statement and tone. He asks if the Secretary of State agrees that politicians have a role in fostering reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State agrees that politicians have a role in fostering reconciliation and mentions the importance of completing the work of the Good Friday agreement.

  • Robin Swann

    Question

    Asks why the Secretary of State moved from section 9 to a section 11 decision on Friday night rather than waiting for the court’s ruling.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State explains that he followed the legal process by consulting with the Parades Commission and the Chief Constable. He does not want to stray further into the process due to legal challenges.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Question

    Asks if the Secretary of State is prepared to discuss sanctions to prevent individuals who break the law from holding public office.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State is willing to consider it but does not intend to introduce primary legislation to change the Northern Ireland Act at the moment.

  • Jim Allister

    Question

    Condemns the Secretary of State's decision as a shameful surrender to mob rule and asks how the rule of law can recover when the Secretary of State undermines it.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State emphasises the importance of moderating language and providing leadership in compromising for the benefit of all communities.

  • Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann

    Question

    The MP thanks all hon. Members for reaching out and expresses her shock at the Secretary of State's actions which rewarded lawbreakers. She refers to Brendan McKenna's criminal activities and asks if the rule of law applies only to law-abiding citizens.

    Minister reply

    The minister responds to the MP's concerns, clarifying that he did not know the court's ruling before making his determination. He acknowledges the vile comments made against the MP and hopes she withdraws the semi-allegation. He also urges the MP to encourage cooperation with the police.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The MP pays tribute to Carla Lockhart for her courage and determination and asks why the Secretary of State intervened before the Court of Appeal's ruling. He questions the message sent to extremist factions and asks why law-abiding citizens should trust the democratic process.

    Minister reply

    The minister clarifies that the Court of Appeal's ruling was on a different matter than his decision and that he was required by law to respond to the Chief Constable's request. He upholds the original determination and emphasises the importance of preserving peace over enforcement of determinations.

Shadow Comment

Alex Burghart

Alex Burghart, Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, responded to Chris Bryant's statement. He acknowledged the difficult position the Secretary of State faced and the potential for renewed violence reminiscent of the past. Burghart criticised those who ignored the independent adjudication processes and suggested that breaking the law to prevent a lawful march is irresponsible and dangerous. He questioned the nature of the risk cited by the Chief Constable and whether there were indications of terrorism or the deployment of firearms or explosives. Burghart expressed concern that those who threatened violence had won, and he urged the Secretary of State to clarify what steps the Government would take to prevent the law from being flouted again.

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