Understand
Judge rules legal appeal on Drumcree parade ban is not an emergency
Overview
A High Court judge in Northern Ireland has stated that a legal challenge by Orangemen against the Northern Ireland secretary's decision to ban the Drumcree parade is not an emergency case. Lady Justice McBride questioned the necessity of hearing the case outside normal court hours on a Saturday, noting that the applicants were in the same practical position as before. The case has been adjourned until Monday for a full hearing.
Key points
- Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant banned the Drumcree parade on Friday, citing advice from the PSNI chief constable that it could lead to serious injury and disorder.
- Orangemen in Portadown applied for leave for a judicial review to challenge the ban on Saturday afternoon.
- Lady Justice McBride ruled that while the case has some urgency, it does not constitute an emergency requiring a Saturday hearing.
- The judge noted that important material was outstanding and adjourned the case for a full hearing on Monday.