Sunday Standoff Preceded Separate Monday Parade Attempt
Protesters gathered on the Garvaghy Road before the permitted Sunday parade, while Orangemen waited at Drumcree Church and later turned back on Drumcree Road. A separate attempt to head toward the road early Monday was met by police Land Rovers; BBC UK did not give a specific reason for that block.
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BBC UK’s account distinguishes the failed permitted parade on Sunday from an attempt to reach the Garvaghy Road early Monday. Protesters began gathering on the road after the final court decision, and the Orangemen waited at Drumcree Church, about a mile away. At one point, some began walking down Drumcree Road but turned back. Police maintained a sterile zone between the sides for most of Sunday and repeatedly called on protesters to disperse. Early Monday, a group of men set out from the church toward the road, where police Land Rovers blocked their way. BBC UK did not specify why police blocked this separate attempt.
The dispute also drew opposing political claims. Orange Order district master Nigel Dawson said the organisation had a legal right to use the route and that police should facilitate it. First Minister Michelle O’Neill joined the protest; DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused her and other Sinn Féin politicians there of acting unlawfully. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant called for compromise. These statements reflect the parties’ positions; the account does not establish the disputed legality claims as fact.
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