An independent judge-led review into how the Parades Commission makes its decisions has been ordered by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Sir Chris Bryant announced the review on Monday following a meeting with commissioners to discuss the fallout from last week’s High Court ruling on the Drumcree parade.
The judge will examine the Commission’s decision‑making procedures and report directly to the Secretary of State.
Sir Chris said the Parades Commission “does a vital job in what can be sensitive and difficult circumstances” and stressed the importance of maintaining public confidence in its work.
“We must not lose sight of the significant progress Northern Ireland has made over the last three decades in easing tensions around parades,” he said.
“I am clear that the Commission needs to enjoy the fullest possible confidence of all communities. That is particularly important in the wake of the court’s ruling.
“I have considered the Commission’s response to that ruling and, while I am satisfied that the issues raised are being taken seriously and progress is being made, I have decided that an independent review is needed to provide assurance on and consider improvements to the Commission’s processes and procedures.
“This will strengthen the Commission’s immediate and future work. In the meantime, the current commissioners have my full backing. It is in the public interest that they continue their critical functions as we work together to restore public trust in this vital institution.”
Sir Chris has also instructed officials to begin a public appointments process “as soon as possible” to appoint commissioners, noting that one has already resigned and others are nearing the end of their terms.
Looking ahead, he urged all communities to “continue supporting the important work of the Commission and to conduct parades and protests in a lawful manner”.
“I would urge everyone to support the independent judge‑led review and to give the Commission time and space to rebuild confidence and regain its footing,” he added.
“There is no justification for anyone stepping outside the law, including in relation to the lawful notification of parades.”
DUP MP Carla Lockhart welcomed the announcement of a review but launched a scathing attack on the current Commission and the Secretary of State’s backing for its members.
She said: “A judge‑led review is a significant victory for unionism, the marching bands and loyal orders. The Parades Commission is an organisation devoid of any credibility, and it is welcome their governance and decision‑making will now be scrutinised by a judge‑led review. This was a key demand of the unionist community and Portadown District.
“This review must be robust, provide for engagement from loyal orders and marching bands, and the final report must be public‑facing.”
However, Ms Lockhart said Mr Bryant’s comments giving “full backing” to the remaining commissioners “doesn’t pass the laugh test”.
“In attaching himself to them, his credibility falls with theirs,” she continued.
“He has shown himself impotent to stand up to these belligerent and arrogant commissioners who demand that they will continue in post, regardless of the fact their credibility and public confidence in them is utterly shattered.
“These commissioners are in the view of the entire unionist community infected by public law bias and predetermination. I look forward to the Secretary of State explaining how he thinks they could as a matter of law conceivably play any role in any future Drumcree determination.
“It goes without saying, leaving even the pure question of law aside, that any determination will have no credibility or legitimacy in the eyes of any section of the community given the identity of the decision‑makers.”
The Upper Bann MP called on Sir Chris to come to Parliament and clarify whether commissioners had effectively threatened to resign en masse.
“I want the Secretary of State to come to Parliament and clearly tell the House whether or not it is accurate that the five commissioners told him that if he sought the Chair’s resignation that they would all resign,” she said.
“Are five public office holders, who have demeaned good public administration, threatening the Secretary of State in order to hold onto their salaries and position?”
Ms Lockhart said Sir Chris himself had set the test that the Commission must secure “the confidence of the whole unionist community”.
“That is not a matter for him, but rather for the democratically elected political leadership of unionism. And the collective message is clear: this Commission does not command a scintilla of confidence.
“Whilst they remain, the parading framework in Northern Ireland is unsustainable in its present format.”
Upper Bann Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Nelson said: “The issue of an unwanted march on Garvaghy Road is closed.
“In previous years, the people of Garvaghy Road were subjected to sectarianism, intimidation, and violence as marches were forced through their community.
“That cannot and will not be allowed to happen again.
“The residents of Garvaghy Road have the right to live in peace, free from sectarian harassment. That right must be respected.
“Sinn Féin stands fully with the Garvaghy Road residents.
“What we have witnessed over the past week is a dangerous attempt by unionism to reignite the closed issue of an unwanted march on the Garvaghy Road.
“The British government is now choosing to indulge the dangerous and reckless actions of unionist leaders, by announcing today’s review of the Parades Commission.
“The British government should be ensuring that the right to live free from sectarianism is protected, rather than pandering to unionist supremacist demands.
“This is an unwanted march which cannot be imposed on this community or forced through it.
“Unionist leaders and the Orange Order need to respect the wishes of the people of Garvaghy Road and leave them to live in peace.”
