The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sir Chris Bryant MP, said on 9 October 2026 that he had made an order under Section 11 after considering a Section 9 request from the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and reviewing the Parades Commission’s determination. The dispute concerned a Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge application for 27 September 2026.

Bryant said two weeks of efforts, including several rounds of negotiations at Hillsborough Castle, had failed to produce a local agreement. He said the Chief Constable advised that the procession could not take place without a major intervention carrying an unacceptable risk of serious injury, disorder and a wider contagion effect. The Parades Commission told him its original determination did not now have enduring legal effect, while noting the matter was ultimately for the courts. Bryant concluded the circumstances had changed considerably and the procession could not go ahead as determined.

He thanked Portadown LOL No 1 for a peaceful, law-abiding approach and called for protests, rallies and demonstrations to be stood down.