Burrows says everyone must be answerable to the law in the Drumcree issue if they have broken the law
The row over the Orange Order being allowed to march through Drumcree may have wide-ranging repercussions.
Below is the perspective of the UUP (Ulster Unionsist Party) on the issue.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said: “Drumcree needs cool heads and calm language.
“I have spoken directly to the Chief Constable and the Deputy Chief Constable and offered them and their officers my full support as they deal with this exceptionally challenging situation.
“At our conference yesterday I said that whatever determination was made should be respected lawfully, and that anyone with an issue should take it to court. That is what happened. The High Court sat overnight and upheld it.
“The procession was permitted under a lawful determination, tested in court and upheld hours before it was due to take place.
“Blocking the road to prevent it is disgraceful, and the apparent unnotified protest must also be investigated.
“For 28 years, the Orange Order abided by determinations restricting its route. Had its members defied those determinations, they would rightly have faced the consequences. The law must apply equally today.
“Senior Sinn Féin politicians were present at the protest and appear to have encouraged others to prevent the lawful procession.
“The PSNI must investigate what happened and follow the evidence wherever it leads, including to those in the most senior positions. Where offences are established, those responsible should face prosecution.
“Two things can be true at once: those who broke the law must be held to account, but we also need an urgent off-ramp to create space to resolve this situation. A prolonged confrontation risks damaging our peace, our economy and our stability, and putting police officers in harm’s way.
“There is a mediation process in place with a facilitator already appointed.
“Portadown District agreed to take part without preconditions. Today makes that process more necessary, not less, and I would urge those who have not yet engaged with it to do so, and to use their influence to bring this stand-off to a peaceful end.
