Judge says ‘no urgency’ to hear appeal on Drumcree parade ban

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Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant banned the contentious Orange Order parade at Drumcree on Friday saying the decision "was in the best interests of peace".

Orangemen in Portadown went to the High Court on Saturday afternoon to seek a judicial review of that decision.

Sir Chris Bryant said he received advice from the PSNI chief constable that allowing the procession to go ahead could lead to serious injury, disorder and wider unrest.

The decision by Sir Chris came after an agreement could not be reached between the Portadown District Lodge and the Garvaghy Road residents over whether the march would be allowed down the predominantly nationalist road.

In response, Orangemen in Portadown lodged an application for leave for a judicial review to appeal the decision.

Lady Justice McBride told the court on Saturday: "This is an important case, and I do believe there is some urgency, but it's not an emergency."

The judge also questioned the need for the case to proceed outside normal court hours.

"I can't fully understand why this case needs to be heard today in terms of (any) irredeemable prejudice," she stated.

"They (the Orange Order) had the right to walk but they couldn't exercise it, now the right has been taken away.

"In practical terms they are in exactly the same position."

She told the court the information she received on the matter was very basic and there was information that was outstanding that needed to be included.

"There is probably a lot more material that needs to be considered in this challenge, that is not before me today," she added.

The judge said if the secretary of state acted lawfully that decision will stand but added "there are a lot of interwoven moving parts".

Lady Justice McBride said she wanted to "thank everyone for their time", but wanted to reiterate to council, that they are left in no doubt "the case had to be a matter of life and death, when brought on a Saturday afternoon".

She adjourned the case until Monday for a full hearing.