Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has met the Chief Constable, together with party colleague and Policing Board member Alan Chambers MLA. Mr Burrows received a “categoric assurance” that there were no political considerations in the decision to ask the Secretary of State to ban the parade down the Garvaghy Road.

Jon Burrows said:

“The Chief Constable has given me a categoric assurance that his decision was based on public order, public safety and the risk of injury to police officers, the public and the Orange Order. It was also based on the PSNI’s belief that it was not physically possible to police the parade.

“I challenged him about the reference to the Executive collapsing. He insists categorically that it was not part of his rationale. He says it was wider commentary about the impact of what he would describe as a disastrous policing operation.

“I think the PSNI’s statement was clumsy. They should have made it explicit that their reasons were purely operational, and had nothing to do with the viability of the Executive.

“I operate on the basis of trust but verify. I will take the Chief Constable at his word, but his assurance will be tested in the judicial review. It was disclosure through the last judicial review of this nature that proved Simon Byrne’s decision making was politically influenced.

“I made it crystal clear that we do not expect any political considerations in policing decisions. We now need to see a swift and visible policing operation to bring people to justice.

“There is also widespread concern in the community about a perception of two-tier policing. I have asked for an independent review of recent police operations so that people can have confidence the police treat everyone impartially. The Chief Constable said he was open to that and would come back to me after the judicial review.

“I also want to thank the rank and file of the PSNI who, as ever, do a difficult and dangerous job.”