Review proposes scrapping of Parades Commission

A British Government review has proposed the scrapping of the Parades Commission in the North.

The review team was chaired by British politician and diplomat Paddy Ashdown, whose appointment caused concern among nationalists due to his background in the British Army.

In a report today, it proposes that the Parades Commission be scrapped once policing and justice powers are devolved to Stormont.

After that, it says, any disputes over parades should be referred to the First and Deputy First Ministers' office, which would appoint a panel to adjudicate on the dispute.

Nationalist resident groups have reacted angrily to the proposal, saying an independent body should continue to rule on contentious loyalist parades.

The Orange Order, meanwhile, has welcomed the proposals and the end of what it calls the "discredited" Parades Commission.