Garvaghy Road LIVE: Protesters disperse after thousands block Orange Order march

Garvaghy Road LIVE: Protesters disperse after thousands block Orange Order march Protesters blockaded Garvaghy Road following the late night court ruling that will allow an Orange Order parade to go ahead this morning in Belfast Protesters who blockaded Garvaghy Road in Belfast to stop a contentious loyal order parade have now mostly dispersed. The decision came after being told by a community leader that a fresh process to address the dispute was being initiated, with talks due to take place on Monday morning. The protest had delayed the march, which had been due to begin at 8am on Sunday, September 27 after an overnight High Court ruling upheld permission for 35 Orangemen to take part. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appealed for “calm on all sides”, while police have repeatedly warned protesters they could face arrest for taking part in an unnotified parade. The Orange Order members due to march remain at nearby Drumcree Church, with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher urging everyone to remain calm and peaceful as officers manage the situation. Around midnight, Breandán Mac Cionnaith from the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition, told protesters they had secured a “victory”. He said he would meet Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on Monday morning for talks on the Drumcree parade. The Drumcree parade has been banned since 1998 and was associated with violent clashes during the Troubles. The Orange Order has unsuccessfully sought permission for more than a quarter of a century to complete its traditional route along Garvaghy Road. This is an ongoing news event. Keep up to date with our live blog below. Drumcree stand-off made headlines in 1990s The stand-off at Drumcree made headlines in the 1990s, with nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road opposed to the parade passing through the area, leading to violent clashes for several summers and political tension necessitating major security operations. The Orange Order has unsuccessfully applied for more than a quarter of a century to complete its 1998 walk along its traditional route. On Friday, the commission reversed its long-running determination and granted permission for the parade – a decision welcomed by unionist parties and met with outrage from nationalist and republican parties. Permission was granted for a parade subject to strict restrictions, including a limit of 35 participants and an 8am start time. Two Portadown schools to stay closed due to ongoing dispute Two schools in Portadown have announced they will close on Monday due to the parading dispute. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appealed for “calm on all sides”, saying there have been “big gains made in Northern Ireland, and we don’t want to see things go backwards”. More details as protesters disperse ahead of key talks Protesters who blockaded a road in Portadown to stop a contentious loyal order parade have mostly dispersed after being told by a community leader that a fresh process to address the dispute was being initiated. At the height of the blockade, thousands of people gathered on the Garvaghy Road throughout Sunday (September 27) to prevent the Orange Order parade from nearby Drumcree Church from passing along the route. The mass gathering, which was illegal under parading legislation in Northern Ireland, involved senior Sinn Féin politicians, including Stormont’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill. You can read the full story by clicking here. Garvaghy Road community secure 'victory' Stormont’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the Garvaghy Road community had won a “victory”. “This community do not want this, they do not want this march,” she told reporters before leaving the area shortly after midnight on Monday morning. “And tonight, I believe, is another victory for this community in standing steadfast for the right to live free from sectarian harassment and intimidation.” Protesters disperse as key talks scheduled to take place Breandán Mac Cionnaith, from the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition, has told protesters he will meet Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant and Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on Monday morning for talks on the Drumcree parade. He said the community had secured a “victory” as he said he had received “commitments” that the parade would not be proceeding down the Garvaghy Road overnight. Mr Mac Cionnaith asked for 20-30 volunteers to remain on the road to ensure those commitments were not broken. “I still have a job for some of you,” he said. “We’ll need some people out on the street tonight, because although we’ve got commitments about nobody coming down this road tonight, we’ve seen those commitments broke in the past.” On his planned meetings on Monday, he said: “That process starts tomorrow when we go in and meet the chief constable and we’ll meet the secretary of state. “We’re not going in to do deals with them, or to take half measures with them. “We said the other day, and we said yesterday, and the day before – we’re not going back, we’re not turning the clock back. We’re putting the clock forward.” Statement from PSNI Chief Constable - in full Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I’m unbelievably proud of my officers who, supported by mutual aid colleagues, are managing an exceptionally challenging situation. “The policing operation thus far has helped ensure there has been no violence or disorder. “We have an evidence gathering operation in place to detect any offences and will continue to do this throughout today. “I appeal to everyone to remain calm and peaceful. I am immensely grateful for all those voices who have already called for calm. “I would urge those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law and work with the police to keep everyone safe. “Police are engaging and working with all parties and will continue to do so. “It is incumbent on us all to come together at times like this to do all we can to preserve a peaceful Northern Ireland.” DUP leader Gavin Robinson speaks out DUP leader Gavin Robinson said on Sunday afternoon: “We can’t have a situation where people who have the privilege of holding high office in Northern Ireland so flagrantly disregard the pledge of office and statutory underpinnings of their office." Conversations to continue tomorrow Secretary of State Chris Bryant has said there is no solution forthcoming so far after meeting and talking with political leaders. Speaking at Hillsborough Castle, he told reporters: “There’s a few ideas around about things we might be able to do and I’m happy to explore those and I’ll continue those conversations tomorrow. “I have made it very clear that I think it is important that we get to a resolution and we need to find some kind of compromise so that people are able to go home." Residents to 'stay until midnight' Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill has addressed residents as darkness falls in Portadown. Alongside Mary Lou McDonald, she said: "The reason the parade has not come down this road is because you are here, and we need you to stay the course, we need you to stay here to 12 o'clock tonight at least. "Do not give up at this stage, we have come this far, the people of Garvaghy Road need us to stay with them tonight." Latest pictures The latest pictures from Portadown show the stand-off continuing Scottish officers deployed in Northern Ireland Reports that Scottish police were deployed to the scene in Northern Ireland on Sunday have been described as “deeply concerning” by the Scottish Greens, who called for the agreement underlying it to be reviewed. Hundreds of people remain spread out across the route this evening Primary school closed tomorrow due to stand-off St John the Baptist PS Bunscoil Eoin Baiste, located on the Garvaghy Road, has announced it will be closed tomorrow due to the ongoing stand-off in the area. "The safety and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff must always be our first priority, and we feel that closing the school is the most responsible course of action in the uncertain circumstances," the school shared in a post on social media. Gerry Adams arrives at Garvaghy Road protest Former Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams, has been pictured at the protest on Garvaghy Road this afternoon. Increased police presence PSNI has increased police presence on Gavarghy Road. Almost eight hours after the Orange Order were set to parade down the Garvaghy Road, the route remains blocked by protesters who oppose the march. DUP leader calls for "unanimous condemnation" of First Minister Speaking to media in Belfast DUP leader Gavin Robinson said there should be “unanimous condemnation” of First Minister Michelle O’Neill and her Sinn Féin colleagues who he said are “debasing themselves and debasing the office that they hold”. He said Ms O’Neill is “breaking the law”. “She’s the head of an Executive and she is prepared to wilfully disregard the ruling of our courts, the determination by the statutory body charged with determining parades in Northern Ireland,” he said. “Those are fundamental questions for her and the pledge of office that is given and the law that sits behind that are important fundamentals that are being tested today by her actions, and they will be tested through sanctions as well.” Asked whether his party will continue to work with Sinn Féin, Mr Robinson responded: “Our party is maintaining the dignity of the Portadown Orange men as they have shown determination and patience so will we. I can look at you all in the eye today and say we are being plunged into difficult territory because of the actions of people who are expected to be lawmakers in our country breaking the law. “The fundamental principle of upholding the rule of law in this society are sacrosanct and cannot be tarnished.” He added: “We have someone who calls herself a First Minister for all breaking the law today, breaking the law, prepared to give a two-finger salute to the rule of law and order in this country, and she is surrounded by other people who should know better. “The crisis is not of our making, I think all around us can see how challenging a situation this is but the fundamentals remain, the rule of law must sustain, a legal determination must be policed appropriately.” Portadown District says 'morale remains high' with plans to continue march Portadown District have thanked their supporters as the stand-off continues over their march today with members waiting in a hall at Drumcree church. Their plan remains to walk down Garvaghy Road to Carleton Street Orange Hall in the town, where their supporters are waiting for them to arrive. But thousands of protesters have blocked the street. A spokesperson for Portadown District Lodge said: "We have been well fed, morale remains high, and we genuinely appreciate those who have stood firm in the town. Your presence and support give us great encouragement. "Our resolve remains as strong as ever. We are steadfast in our position and will continue to make our stand until the law is properly and fairly applied. "We remain united, determined and resolute. We thank our community for its continued support and ask everyone to remain calm, peaceful and within the law." Situation unchanged as protesters continue to block road 'If it takes another 28 hours, if it takes another 28 days', DUP Leader says Orange Order will pursue march DUP Leader Gavin Robinson has said: "If it takes another 28 hours, if it takes another 28 days they will show the same steadfast determination and patience and a willingness to uphold the law that's been there for the last 28 years." DUP MP Carla Lockhart calls Garvaghy Road protest 'unlawful' Stood outside Drumcree parish church, Lockhart said: "The folks in the hall behind you have had a seismic win in the courts – for 28 years they have been denied their rights on this very hill. “They have been here 52 weeks over the past 28 years in a dignified and peaceful manner.” She added: “It’s time for Sinn Féin to take leadership and to ensure that the unlawful protest that is currently happening on the Garvaghy Road is dealt with, that they listen to the police and remove themselves from it, and allow the parade, which has obviously been determined in law and permitted to go down the road, down the road.” PSNI negotiators on the scene Orange Order member outside Drumcree Parochial Hall Liam Kelly calls to 'dial down rhetoric' and for 'calm heads' The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland has spoken out. Liam Kelly said: “Our officers will police the out-workings of this Judgement without fear or favour. Their job will be to maintain the rule of law and see that there is full compliance with the Parades Commission determination. I remind those who disagree with or oppose the decision and procession that they, too, must comply with the law and, so, I would appeal to anyone who wishes to protest to do so in a lawful, measured and ultimately peaceful manner. “Unfortunately, over the last 24 hours there has been a raft of unhelpful commentary in both mainstream media and social media platforms. I would particularly appeal to our politicians and community/civic representatives to dial down the rhetoric and work constructively to calm heads to help ensure that our officers can safely carry out their duties. “Our officers want the policing deployment to be a safe environment for them and all who take opposing viewpoints. For that to happen we need to see calm heads and full compliance with the law.” Carla Lockhart MP says 'the law is on our side' In a post on Facebook, the MP has said: "Urgent message from Drumcree - Please Share. "We have been made aware of false information that ‘bands’ and loyalists are converging in response to the illegal blockade set up by Republican activists on the Garvaghy Road. "This is completely false. "We believe this is deliberate misinformation being pushed by nefarious Republican sources in an attempt to goad young people into a confrontation. "Do not fall for misinformation or react. "The law is on our side and we are upholding it peacefully. "We are still standing with the 35 brethren for a peaceful resolution and upholding of the determination for Portadown Orange District LOL 1 to complete their parade." Protests - in pictures Northern Ireland Secretary statement Sir Chris Bryant said he wished “we weren’t in this position”, as an Orange Order parade is set to go ahead for the first time in decades in a predominantly nationalist area of Northern Ireland. Speaking to the BBC, the Northern Ireland Secretary said: “I can imagine that lots of people didn’t sleep very well last night, not least because of course the court case was going on till very late into the night, till 2.30 in the morning. “I know lots of people will be watching this very, very closely, including people who have long memories of things that happened 30 years ago, and people will be very nervous and anxious. “So the number one thing I think is people should co-operate with the police. I want everything to pass off as calmly as is possible. I’m speaking to the police obviously on a regular basis throughout the day, and was last night as well, and so is my team.” He added: “I wish we weren’t in this position. I wish we weren’t looking at relitigating things of the past. But the court decided that the adjudication, the determination of the Parades Commission stood. So it’s important that everybody abides by the law.” Sir Chris later said he would be leaving Labour’s conference in Liverpool for Belfast on Sunday, telling the BBC: “I’m going to be going back to Belfast this afternoon. I was expecting to be doing things here, but I think most people would expect me to be in Belfast, and that’s where I’ll be.” PSNI encourages 'those with influence' to 'comply with the law' The head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) called for “those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law” amid a large protest blocking the Garvaghy Road. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I’m unbelievably proud of my officers who, supported by mutual aid colleagues, are managing an exceptionally challenging situation. “The policing operation thus far has helped ensure there has been no violence or disorder. “We have an evidence gathering operation in place to detect any offences and will continue to do this throughout today. “I appeal to everyone to remain calm and peaceful. I am immensely grateful for all those voices who have already called for calm. “I would urge those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law and work with the police to keep everyone safe. “Police are engaging and working with all parties and will continue to do so. It is incumbent on us all to come together at times like this to do all we can to preserve a peaceful Northern Ireland.” DUP Leader Gavin Robinson calls on First Minister to 'uphold law' Robinson said: “The legal position is now unequivocal. 35 Orangemen can walk in silence along Garvaghy Road. The Court of Appeal found that the injunction had been granted in error, and the High Court subsequently confirmed that the Parades Commission determination must be respected. “Yet Michelle O’Neill described that outcome as ‘disgraceful’, claimed an Orange procession was being ‘forced’ through the area and declared, ‘There is no going back. Not tomorrow. Not ever’. “Those words were followed by organised obstruction of the road, while Breandán Mac Cionnaith instructed people to sit down, link arms and return if removed by police. Michelle O’Neill then addressed the gathering, urged it to ‘stay strong’ and repeated the ‘no going back’ chant. “A First Minister’s duty is to uphold lawful decisions, not inflame opposition to them. The rule of law cannot apply only when Sinn Féin likes the outcome. Our institutions are founded on respect for the police, the courts and the rule of law. “The Orangemen of Portadown have conducted themselves with dignity and respect for the rule of law for 28 years and once again have demonstrated their maturity today.” Orangeman 'ordered back to Drumcree Church' Gerry Caroll has said: "We welcome the news that the Orangemen at Garvaghy have been ordered back to Drumcree Church. But nobody here is under any illusions. Orangemen are waiting in a hall on a hill for word that a community can be cleared out of their way. Many more of their supporters are standing by in Portadown. Every family on this road knows exactly where this could lead, from bitter experience. "This a community held hostage to a march that nobody wants, on a Sunday morning in the rain, while residents try to go about their lives. Keeping the people of the Garvaghy Road on edge for hours on end is simply a siege by another name.Portadown District should do the decent thing and go home now.” PM Andy Burnham comments on Orange Order parade Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appealed for “calm on all sides” over the Orange Order parade, saying there have been “big gains made in Northern Ireland, and we don’t want to see things go backwards”.