Bryant accused of 'disgraceful appeasement' by stopping parade

DUP leader Gavin Robinson has accused Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant of "disgraceful appeasement" after the latter intervened to stop an Orange Order parade route. Robinson called for transparency about the decision and questioned whether it represented a "bending of the knee of the rule of law in the threat of terror and violence".

A legal challenge will be heard on Monday regarding Sir Chris' decision to act following the Parades Commission's approval of the Drumcree parade on the Garvaghy Road for the first time in nearly 30 years. The move sparked widespread opposition, leading to a 12-day stand-off and a police investigation into potential law breaches.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Sinn Féin members, including Gerry Carroll, have been invited to a voluntary police interview as part of the probe. Sir Chris defended his intervention, citing advice from PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher that the parade could result in serious injury, disorder, and unrest. Robinson criticized the Secretary of State for using unprecedented powers and questioned the perceived threat of violence.

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd defended the Garvaghy Road residents' peaceful response to the parade threat, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and challenging the demonization of the community.