The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has issued an order under Section 11 of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act, preventing the Portadown District procession from proceeding. The procession was originally determined by the Parades Commission for 27 September 2026.
This decision follows a Section 9 application made by the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The Chief Constable advised that enabling the procession would require a major intervention and carried an unacceptable risk of serious injury, disorder, and a wider contagion effect across Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State reviewed the Parades Commission's initial determination and consulted with both the Chief Constable and the Parades Commission. The Parades Commission indicated that, in light of the Chief Constable's assessment, the original determination may no longer have enduring legal effect. The Secretary of State concluded that the circumstances under which the original decision was made have changed considerably, leading to the procession's cancellation.
The Secretary of State acknowledged the Portadown District's peaceful approach and cooperation with the PSNI, while calling for all protests, rallies, and demonstrations to cease to allow for rebuilding relations in Portadown.