Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant has used his powers to ban an Orange Order parade from proceeding down the Garvaghy Road in Portadown, overturning a decision by the Parades Commission. The determination would have allowed 35 Orangemen to walk the route on 27 September for the first time in almost 30 years.

The decision follows an almost two-week standoff after the Parades Commission ruled to allow the parade. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was unable to facilitate the parade because of large-scale protests on the road. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher asked Mr Bryant on Friday to review the original determination.

Announcing his decision, Mr Bryant said the parade would not be in the public interest to proceed. He said he had tried to find a solution through talks with both the Garvaghy Road residents and the Orange Order but was unable to do so. He called for all protests to be stood down.

Political reaction was divided. First Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed the decision, saying it should have been made earlier. She said Garvaghy Road residents had been living with constant fear and that they were relieved. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the decision protected 28 years of peace and progress.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed significant relief for the Garvaghy Road community. He said the decision was made in good faith to protect life. He appealed for calm and acknowledged that some people would be disappointed.

The Orange Order said it would seek urgent meetings with Mr Bryant and Chief Constable Boutcher. It claimed there had been a capitulation to the threat of mob rule and violence. It said the decision undermined the law.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the rule of law had been undermined and the decision was a direct result of Republican agitation. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly accused Sinn Féin of utter recklessness.

The PSNI has contacted a number of people in relation to alleged breaches of the law over gatherings on the Garvaghy Road. Ms O'Neill confirmed she received a letter and will co-operate. Several Sinn Féin colleagues also received letters.