Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her “unwavering support” for Portadown District LOL No. 1 following Sunday’s Drumcree parade and church service – describing the day as “another significant chapter” in the long-running dispute over the return route along the Garvaghy Road.
This year’s parade went ahead amid heightened interest after Drumcree District Lodge decided, for the first time in 25 years, not to march to police lines on the Garvaghy Road.
The decision was taken due to the ongoing deliberations of Mr Justice McAlinden in a High Court judicial review examining determinations by the Parades Commission.
Ms Lockhart, who attended the parade and service, said she was “proud to stand alongside the brethren of Portadown District LOL No. 1” as they marked another year of what she termed a “campaign to return home along their traditional route”.
She said: “The brethren participated in today’s Drumcree parade with the dignity, respect and discipline that have become the hallmark of this annual demonstration of faith, culture and tradition.
“For 27 years, the brethren have been prevented from returning home by their traditional route. Despite the disappointment and frustration that has accompanied each determination of the Parades Commission, they have continued to pursue their objective through lawful and peaceful means. Today’s events once again demonstrated their commitment to seeking a just and lasting resolution.”
The Upper Bann MP highlighted her longstanding involvement with the issue, saying she had supported the Portadown brethren “in Parliament, in public and, most recently, through my attendance at the High Court during Friday’s emergency judicial review proceedings”.
She added: “I was honoured to spend the entire day in court in support of the case alongside the legal team acting for the applicant.
“Friday’s hearing marked a significant moment in this long-running dispute. The Court determined that there are matters of sufficient significance requiring further investigation before the challenge can be determined, including further scrutiny of the Parades Commission’s decision-making process.
“After almost three decades of repeated determinations, it is right that those processes are now being carefully examined by the Court.”
The DUP MP placed on record her “sincere appreciation” for the legal team – John Larkin KC, Emma McIlveen BL and Jamie Bryson LL.B – praising what she described as their “professionalism, expertise and meticulous preparation”.
“Their commitment has ensured that serious questions surrounding the Parades Commission’s decision-making process will now receive the judicial scrutiny they deserve,” she said.
Ms Lockhart also pointed to the attendance of senior Orange Order figures at Drumcree as evidence of wider institutional backing for the Portadown district.
“It was also encouraging to see the continued support of the senior leadership of the Orange Institution, together with county officers and representatives from across the wider Orange family,” she said.
“Their presence demonstrated the unity and resolve that exists throughout the Institution in support of the Portadown brethren.”
Referencing words used at the event – “Here we stand, we can do no other” – Ms Lockhart said they “echoed powerfully” and captured the Order’s stance.
“They reflect the determination of the brethren to continue pursuing justice through peaceful, lawful and democratic means until they are permitted to walk home along their traditional route,” she said.
“As someone who is immensely proud of our Orange heritage, our bands and our wider unionist culture, I believe diversity and tolerance must apply to everyone. Much is said about building a shared future, yet genuine respect cannot exist if there is no tolerance for Orangemen peacefully returning home from their church parade. Mutual respect must work both ways.”
Ms Lockhart concluded by pledging to continue backing the Portadown district both “on the ground and in support of their legal challenge”.
“I will continue to stand with the Portadown brethren, both on the ground and in support of their legal challenge, until this long-standing injustice is brought to an end,” she said.
“Their perseverance, dignity and steadfast commitment over the past 27 years deserve recognition, and I remain hopeful that meaningful progress can now be achieved.”
