Parades body refuses to remove Belfast march restrictions

The Parades Commission has refused to reconsider its restrictions on a contentious loyalist march in north Belfast on Monday.

Unionist politicians had demanded that the restrictions be removed and loyalists have mounted a daily hour-long blockade of a road in the area in protest at the commission’s ruling.

The parades body has ruled that only members of the Orange Order be allowed to return from the main Twelfth of July celebrations past the Ardoyne shops flashpoint.

Any bands and hangers-on participating in the parade must drive back to their homes further up the Crumlin Road.

Loyalists and unionists have warned that the restrictions could spark violence at the parade.