Hendron criticises parade organisers for breaking Parades Commission ruling

Alliance Belfast Council Group Leader, Cllr Maire Hendron, has criticised the organisers of a loyalist parade for breaking a Parades Commission determination which said that Saturday’s parade had to depart Belfast City Hall by noon. The parade departed over one hour late.

Cllr Maire Hendron said: “By breaking the lawful determination of the Parades Commission, the parade organisers have shown a lack of respect for the rule of law.

“The refusal of the organisers to abide by the Parades Commission determination has highlighted our concerns that the problem with the issue of parades is about behaviour.

“I am also concerned that the parade organisers did not seek to minimise disruption to local traders.

“While I welcome the fact that the parade passed off peacefully, it is unacceptable that a Parades Commission ruling was broken.”

ENDS