Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the decision by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to quash the Parades Commission's determination regarding the Drumcree Parade, what engagement he had with the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland during the dispute; and what changes in the police assessment of the risk to public safety were communicated to him during that period.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland did not quash the Parades Commission's determination. Under Section 9 of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, the Secretary of State was required to carry out a review of the determination which he, and subsequently the Courts, upheld. The Public Processions (NI) Act 1998 clearly outlines the factors that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland must consider when exercising his powers under the Act, including consulting the Chief Constable and Parades Commission as part of his decision making. The Chief Constable outlined that facilitating the parade would carry an unacceptable risk of serious injury, disorder, and public safety threats. The Secretary of State considered the necessary factors under Section 11 and subsequently prohibited the procession.