Andy Allen, the Ulster Unionist Party's North Belfast Spokesperson, has urged people to remain calm and keep protests within the law, following the Parades Commission’s decision to deny the three Ligoniel Orange Lodges the right to return home via the Crumlin Road next Monday evening.
Mr Allen said:
“Once again the Parades Commission has reached the wrong determination with regard to the return parade by the three Ligoniel Lodges on the evening of the 13th July. They have bowed to the threat of republican violence and rejected the notion of a shared future, whereby Orange feet are tolerated on a three minute stretch of road on two occasions, one day a year.
“I know that this decision will be greeted with dismay and frustration by many in the community in north and west Belfast and that feelings will run high. It is essential that people do not fall into the trap of reacting with violence or placing themselves in a situation where they come into conflict with the law.
“Too many young people have paid the price in terms of criminal records and damaged employment prospects and the people of the Woodvale Road and surrounding streets do not wish to see their area turned into a battlefield.
“I would urge all those who are aggrieved at this decision to work constructively within the law to ensure that a peaceful and respectful return parade takes place past the Ardoyne shops.”