Legal challenge to Bryant's decision to stop march to be heard

A legal challenge is set to be heard in the High Court in Belfast regarding Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant's decision to halt an Orange Order parade in Co Armagh. The parade was banned following a tense standoff between the Orange Order and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road. The Orange Order has applied for an emergency judicial review against the decision.

Earlier, the Orange Order sought urgent meetings with Bryant and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Bryant had been under pressure to act after the ongoing stand-off. He stated that two options were discussed: allowing the Orangemen to march once but not again, or accepting they had the right to march but not exercising that right. Bryant believed an agreement was close but talks ultimately failed.

Sinn Féin and the SDLP welcomed the intervention, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson called for an explanation on how the government would restore confidence in the rule of law. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin welcomed the decision, saying it provided "significant relief" to the community on Garvaghy Road. The Parades Commission had previously ruled that the march could proceed with restrictions, but the parade did not take place due to a large protest. Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher had previously requested a review of the decision.