Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has intervened to ban the annual Drumcree parade in Portadown. The decision comes after a prolonged stand-off between Orangemen and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road, which has lasted for nearly two weeks.
The parade has historically been a flashpoint, drawing crowds and protestors to the area. This year's confrontation had escalated to a point where official intervention was deemed necessary to maintain public order and prevent further tension.
Sir Chris Bryant's office confirmed the ban, stating that the decision was made to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of all parties involved. The ban aims to prevent any further disruption and to allow for a return to normalcy in the affected community. The situation at Drumcree has been a recurring issue for many years, often involving complex negotiations and significant police presence to manage the competing demands of the Orange Order and local residents.