30/09/2026
Statement from the County Grand Orange Orange Lodge of Belfast in Support of Portadown District LOL No 1.
This County Grand Lodge wishes to place on record its full support for the Brethren of Portadown District LOL No 1 as they seek to complete their traditional return home from Drumcree Parish Church.
Yesterday, the County Grand Master Rt Wor Bro Spencer Beattie, visited the Brethren at Drumcree Parish Church to convey the support of the County Grand Lodge. We commend the Brethren for their dignity, patience and unwavering commitment to completing their lawful and traditional parade.
The position of the County Grand Lodge is clear: there is a lawful Parades Commission determination in place. This has been upheld by the courts. It is now for the PSNI to uphold the rule of law and facilitate the completion of the return home.
Continued failure to implement a lawful determination risks even further undermining confidence in policing, which is already at an all-time low.
We are also deeply concerned by the scenes witnessed outside Belfast High Court and on the Garvaghy Road. Those responsible for unlawful behaviour must be held accountable, regardless of their position or political affiliation. The sight of elected representatives standing alongside those seeking to prevent the completion of a lawful parade is deeply disappointing, but sadly not surprising. The Orange Institution has witnessed similar
scenes in Belfast and elsewhere where organised opposition and political involvement have repeatedly been used to challenge the lawful expression of Orange and Unionist culture.
The County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast will continue to support Portadown District and the Brethren in pursuing this matter.
Ends
