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Irish IndependentScandalNorthern Ireland - East
Drumcree standoff: Legal bid by Garvaghy residents paused as Chris Bryant holds talks at Hillsborough Castle

Drumcree standoff: Legal bid by Garvaghy residents paused as Chris Bryant holds talks at Hillsborough Castle

LatestDrumcree standoff: Legal bid by Garvaghy residents paused as Chris Bryant holds talks at Hillsborough CastleDavid KentFast News Editor1 Oct 2026 8:37 PMShare.tik4-live__container { background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0 5px 0 5px; } .tik4-hs__title__content { color: #000000; } .tik4-event__body { align-items: center; display: flex; flex: 1 0 0; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0; padding: var(--t4-ev-p-y) var(--t4-ev-p-x); background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); } .tik4-meta { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } .tik4-we-simple__description { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); color: #000000; line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); } .tik4-we-simple__title { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live h1, .tik4-live h2, .tik4-rich-text.tik4-rich-text h2 { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover .tik4-we-simple__title { color: #404040; text-decoration: none; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover { border:1px solid var(--t4-sfc-b); } .tik4-we-simple__meta { margin-top: 10px; } .tik4-meta__timeline__dot { background: #00605c; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-line-height); color: #000000; } } .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding-right:6px; } /* Post date and time on same line and smaller text */ .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__icons { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding:1px 6px 0 0; } /* End post date styling */ /* styles by tickaroo */ .tik4.tik4 { --t4-ev-p-y: var(--t4-sp-4); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button { color: var(--button-primary-color); background: var(--button-primary-background); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-shadow); border-width: var(--button-primary-border-width); border-style: var(--button-primary-border-style); border-color: var(--button-primary-border-color); font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); border-radius: var(--alias-action-border-radius); font-weight: 500; } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover { background: var(--button-primary-hover-background); color: var(--button-primary-hover-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-hover-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus { box-shadow: var(--button-focus-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active { background: var(--button-primary-active-background); color: var(--button-primary-active-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-active-shadow); } a.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button { font-size: var(--button-large-font-size); height: var(--button-large-height); padding: 0 var(--button-large-padding-horizontal); align-items: center; } .tik4-content-block.tik4-content-block { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-4); } .tik4-load-more-bottom.tik4-load-more-bottom { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-5); } .tik4-we-toggle.tik4-we-toggle { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } /* end styles by tickaroo */Key updatesGarvaghy resident's group heading to Hillsborough Castle for further talksMary Lou McDonald: Garvaghy community will not tolerate harassment, bullying or intimidationPSNI chief warns of 'consequences' for those who blocked Garvaghy RoadDetails of proposed deal to end standoff revealedWhat happened on Wednesday?Listen: Indo Daily Extra podcast on Garvaghy Road situationExplainer: What is happening on the Garvaghy Road and why now? 18 minutes agoSummaryAmy BlaneyLatest: Legal bid by Garvaghy residents paused amid talks at Hillsborough CastleA legal bid by the Garvaghy Road residents’ group has been been paused amid further talks taking place at Hillsborough Castle this evening.It comes as the dispute over a parade along the mainly nationalist road continues.The hearing had been set to take place on Friday in Belfast, but has been postponed until Monday while talks continueEarlier, the Chief Constable has revealed the policing operation around Drumcree has cost £3 million so far.Jon Boutcher was facing questions about the dispute at a meeting of the Policing Board.Later in the afternoon, Irish folk band the Mary Wallopers arrived on the Garvaghy Road, where they played to a crowd of hundreds.On Thursday morning, details of a proposed deal to bring to an end the standoff emerged.Reported by BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show on Thursday, the proposed deal is that the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition would accept the Orange Order had the legal right to walk the Garvaghy Road.

7h ago
Irish IndependentScandalNorthern Ireland - East
Drumcree standoff: PSNI Chief Constable says ‘the world is watching’ as protestors continue to block parade route

Drumcree standoff: PSNI Chief Constable says ‘the world is watching’ as protestors continue to block parade route

LiveDrumcree standoff: PSNI Chief Constable says ‘the world is watching’ as protestors continue to block parade routeDavid KentFast News Editor1 Oct 2026 10:54 AMShare.tik4-live__container { background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0 5px 0 5px; } .tik4-hs__title__content { color: #000000; } .tik4-event__body { align-items: center; display: flex; flex: 1 0 0; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0; padding: var(--t4-ev-p-y) var(--t4-ev-p-x); background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); } .tik4-meta { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } .tik4-we-simple__description { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); color: #000000; line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); } .tik4-we-simple__title { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live h1, .tik4-live h2, .tik4-rich-text.tik4-rich-text h2 { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover .tik4-we-simple__title { color: #404040; text-decoration: none; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover { border:1px solid var(--t4-sfc-b); } .tik4-we-simple__meta { margin-top: 10px; } .tik4-meta__timeline__dot { background: #00605c; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-line-height); color: #000000; } } .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding-right:6px; } /* Post date and time on same line and smaller text */ .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__icons { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding:1px 6px 0 0; } /* End post date styling */ /* styles by tickaroo */ .tik4.tik4 { --t4-ev-p-y: var(--t4-sp-4); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button { color: var(--button-primary-color); background: var(--button-primary-background); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-shadow); border-width: var(--button-primary-border-width); border-style: var(--button-primary-border-style); border-color: var(--button-primary-border-color); font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); border-radius: var(--alias-action-border-radius); font-weight: 500; } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover { background: var(--button-primary-hover-background); color: var(--button-primary-hover-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-hover-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus { box-shadow: var(--button-focus-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active { background: var(--button-primary-active-background); color: var(--button-primary-active-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-active-shadow); } a.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button { font-size: var(--button-large-font-size); height: var(--button-large-height); padding: 0 var(--button-large-padding-horizontal); align-items: center; } .tik4-content-block.tik4-content-block { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-4); } .tik4-load-more-bottom.tik4-load-more-bottom { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-5); } .tik4-we-toggle.tik4-we-toggle { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } /* end styles by tickaroo */Key updatesPSNI chief warns of 'consequences' for those who blocked Garvaghy RoadPSNI Chief Constable: 'The world is watching' Drumcree standoffDetails of proposed deal to end standoff revealedWhat happened on Wednesday?Listen: Indo Daily Extra podcast on Garvaghy Road situationExplainer: What is happening on the Garvaghy Road and why now? 26 minutes agoDavid KentMary Wallopers to stage impromptu Garvaghy Road performance The Mary Wallopers are due to appear on the Garvaghy Road later this afternoon for an impromptu performance.The Irish-folk group will be playing a session in support of the Garvaghy Road residents amidst the ongoing stand-off between the Orange Order and the Garvaghy Road Resident’s Coalition.

17h ago
Irish IndependentPoliticiansNorthern Ireland - East
Drumcree standoff: Representatives for residents and Orange Order invited to talks

Drumcree standoff: Representatives for residents and Orange Order invited to talks

LatestDrumcree standoff: Representatives for residents and Orange Order invited to talksDavid KentFast News Editor1 Oct 2026 10:54 AMShare.tik4-live__container { background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0 5px 0 5px; } .tik4-hs__title__content { color: #000000; } .tik4-event__body { align-items: center; display: flex; flex: 1 0 0; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0; padding: var(--t4-ev-p-y) var(--t4-ev-p-x); background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); } .tik4-meta { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } .tik4-we-simple__description { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); color: #000000; line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); } .tik4-we-simple__title { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live h1, .tik4-live h2, .tik4-rich-text.tik4-rich-text h2 { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover .tik4-we-simple__title { color: #404040; text-decoration: none; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover { border:1px solid var(--t4-sfc-b); } .tik4-we-simple__meta { margin-top: 10px; } .tik4-meta__timeline__dot { background: #00605c; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-line-height); color: #000000; } } .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding-right:6px; } /* Post date and time on same line and smaller text */ .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__icons { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding:1px 6px 0 0; } /* End post date styling */ /* styles by tickaroo */ .tik4.tik4 { --t4-ev-p-y: var(--t4-sp-4); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button { color: var(--button-primary-color); background: var(--button-primary-background); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-shadow); border-width: var(--button-primary-border-width); border-style: var(--button-primary-border-style); border-color: var(--button-primary-border-color); font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); border-radius: var(--alias-action-border-radius); font-weight: 500; } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover { background: var(--button-primary-hover-background); color: var(--button-primary-hover-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-hover-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus { box-shadow: var(--button-focus-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active { background: var(--button-primary-active-background); color: var(--button-primary-active-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-active-shadow); } a.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button { font-size: var(--button-large-font-size); height: var(--button-large-height); padding: 0 var(--button-large-padding-horizontal); align-items: center; } .tik4-content-block.tik4-content-block { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-4); } .tik4-load-more-bottom.tik4-load-more-bottom { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-5); } .tik4-we-toggle.tik4-we-toggle { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } /* end styles by tickaroo */Key updatesGarvaghy resident's group heading to Hillsborough Castle for further talksMary Lou McDonald: Garvaghy community will not tolerate harassment, bullying or intimidationPSNI chief warns of 'consequences' for those who blocked Garvaghy RoadDetails of proposed deal to end standoff revealedWhat happened on Wednesday?Listen: Indo Daily Extra podcast on Garvaghy Road situationExplainer: What is happening on the Garvaghy Road and why now? 17 minutes agoDavid KentBryant asks for 'contingency plans' for around budget for Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant has instructed officials to consider “contingency plans” around a budget for the region.In a letter sent to Finance Minister John O’Dowd, Mr Bryant acknowledged the ongoing situation at Drumcree but said “the time is already long past when the Executive should have agreed a budget for this financial year”.The UK Government has made a financial offer slightly above £1.5 billion over the next three years in an effort to assist with balancing Stormont’s budget.Stormont departments have been operating without a budget since the beginning of the current financial year.Ministers in the devolved powersharing Executive have insisted they cannot strike a budget for 2026/27 without additional financial support from Westminster.Devolved departments are currently allowed to spend up to 95% of last year’s funding in the absence of ministers agreeing the budget.The Northern Ireland Secretary had set Thursday as the date for Stormont parties to respond to the Government’s offer, but was encouraged to delay the deadline because of the ongoing Drumcree crisis.In his letter, seen by the Press Association, Mr Bryant said: “The ongoing situation at Drumcree and the Garvaghy Road has caused a significant level of uncertainty and concern within the local community and Northern Ireland more widely.“I appreciate the effect this has had on Executive parties.“However, the time is already long past when the Executive should have agreed a budget for this financial year.“I cannot therefore countenance further delays and have already instructed my officials to consider contingency plans.”Mr Bryant said he wanted to work closely with Executive parties.He added: “I am directly involved in trying to find a solution to the situation in Drumcree.“I would encourage you to get back to me with any suggestions on a way forward on the budget as soon as possible, but I hope you will understand that I have to prepare for all eventualities.“I would welcome feedback on any points of agreement the Executive has reached on the Government’s offer.”Press AssociationToday 04:27 PMDavid KentGarvaghy resident's group heading to Hillsborough Castle for further talksBreandán Mac Cionnaith from the Garvaghy Road resident's group has confirmed to the crowd gathered in the area that they have been invited back to Hillsborough Castle this evening.Speaking to those gathered, he said: "We only got notified about this a short while ago.

17h ago
Irish IndependentScandalNorthern Ireland - East
Drumcree standoff: PSNI Chief Constable to answer questions at Policing Board as protestors continue to block parade

Drumcree standoff: PSNI Chief Constable to answer questions at Policing Board as protestors continue to block parade

LiveDrumcree standoff: PSNI Chief Constable to answer questions at Policing Board as protestors continue to block paradeDavid KentFast News Editor1 Oct 2026 10:54 AMShare.tik4-live__container { background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0 5px 0 5px; } .tik4-hs__title__content { color: #000000; } .tik4-event__body { align-items: center; display: flex; flex: 1 0 0; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0; padding: var(--t4-ev-p-y) var(--t4-ev-p-x); background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); } .tik4-meta { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } .tik4-we-simple__description { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); color: #000000; line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); } .tik4-we-simple__title { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-large-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-large-line-height); color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; } .tik4-live h1, .tik4-live h2, .tik4-rich-text.tik4-rich-text h2 { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-primary); font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); line-height: var(--font-heading-5-large-line-height); font-weight: var(--font-weight-medium); color: #000000; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover .tik4-we-simple__title { color: #404040; text-decoration: none; } .tik4-we-simple__container:hover { border:1px solid var(--t4-sfc-b); } .tik4-we-simple__meta { margin-top: 10px; } .tik4-meta__timeline__dot { background: #00605c; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { .tik4-rich-text { font-size: var(--font-paragraph-size); line-height: var(--font-paragraph-line-height); color: #000000; } } .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding-right:6px; } /* Post date and time on same line and smaller text */ .tik4-meta__ts { flex-direction: row; } .tik4-meta__ts__icons { font-size: var(--font-heading-5-large-size); } .tik4-meta__ts__date, .tik4-meta__ts__time { font-size: var(--font-caption-2-size); font-weight: 400; } .tik4-meta__ts__date { padding:1px 6px 0 0; } /* End post date styling */ /* styles by tickaroo */ .tik4.tik4 { --t4-ev-p-y: var(--t4-sp-4); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button { color: var(--button-primary-color); background: var(--button-primary-background); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-shadow); border-width: var(--button-primary-border-width); border-style: var(--button-primary-border-style); border-color: var(--button-primary-border-color); font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); border-radius: var(--alias-action-border-radius); font-weight: 500; } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:hover { background: var(--button-primary-hover-background); color: var(--button-primary-hover-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-hover-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:not(:active):focus { box-shadow: var(--button-focus-shadow); } a.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active, button.tik4-button.tik4-button.tik4-button:active { background: var(--button-primary-active-background); color: var(--button-primary-active-color); box-shadow: var(--button-primary-active-shadow); } a.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button.tik4-load-more-bottom__button { font-size: var(--button-large-font-size); height: var(--button-large-height); padding: 0 var(--button-large-padding-horizontal); align-items: center; } .tik4-content-block.tik4-content-block { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-4); } .tik4-load-more-bottom.tik4-load-more-bottom { margin-top: var(--t4-sp-5); } .tik4-we-toggle.tik4-we-toggle { font-family: var(--font-family-brand-secondary); } /* end styles by tickaroo */Key updatesDetails of proposed deal to end standoff revealedWhat happened on Wednesday?Listen: Indo Daily Extra podcast on Garvaghy Road situationExplainer: What is happening on the Garvaghy Road and why now? 40 minutes agoDavid KentNorthern Ireland Chief Constable set to face questions amid Drumcree stand-offNorthern Ireland’s Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is to face questions as the Drumcree stand-off continues.The parading dispute is expected to dominate Mr Boutcher’s monthly appearance at the Northern Ireland Policing Board while talks on the fifth day of the impasse continue elsewhere.The DUP is expected to propose that Sinn Fein board member Deirdre Hargey be excluded from the meeting after she took part in a protest on the Garvaghy Road on Sunday.They say Ms Hargey took part in an illegal protest after the Parades Commission ruled that the parade should be allowed along the Garvaghy Road.The Portadown District Orange Order wants to complete its traditional route for the first time in almost 30 years after the decision by the Parades Commission.The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition is opposing the parade.On Wednesday, after hours of talks around a proposed paper put forward by Secretary of State Chris Bryant, Breandan Mac Cionnaith from the residents group said they would back it if the Orange Order did.However DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart told the Press Association in Portadown on Wednesday night that the proposed deal was “not acceptable”.Talks are expected to continue involving the two sides and a fresh legal challenge by the Garvaghy Road residents is due to be heard in the courts on Friday.Mr Boutcher met the Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents on Wednesday.In a statement before those meetings, he warned that “mob rule” must not be allowed to win as he stressed the need to find a peaceful resolution.Mr Boutcher said he would continue to seek a way to facilitate the Orange Order march down the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road, but made clear he is not prepared to do it at any cost, highlighting his overriding responsibility is keeping people safe.He also confirmed a large-scale criminal investigation is under way into the mass unlawful protest that blocked the route on Sunday in an attempt to prevent the parade going ahead.Press Association 17 minutes agoDavid KentDetails of proposed deal to end standoff revealedDetails of a proposed deal to bring to an end the Drumcree standoff have emerged.Reported by BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show on Thursday morning, the details of the proposed deal are that the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition would accept the Orange Order had the legal right to walk the Garvaghy RoadThe residents would also publicly accept it was wrong to block the Orange Order from walking down the road.

17h ago
The GuardianDiplomacyWorld
War, power games and impunity. I watched the farce that is the UN general assembly: what a tragedy, what a mess | Nesrine Malik

War, power games and impunity. I watched the farce that is the UN general assembly: what a tragedy, what a mess | Nesrine Malik

Ukraine, Iran, Palestine and Sudan: it has so many problems to confront and fails to do so. Seen up close, it is a study in stasis and decline UN general assembly meetings are not usually riveting occasions. But this year’s encapsulated a world in flux and crisis, an international law and organisation structure that is falling apart, and a humanitarian order machine running hot. What unfolded was less a gathering for resolution and resolve than a display of showboating, frustration and fractiousness. It was a snapshot for the history books of four huge destabilising conflicts for which there seems to be no means of, or interest in, resolution – Ukraine, Iran, Palestine and Sudan. Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an account of five years of Russian aggression: the staggering loss of life – hundreds of thousands killed on both sides – the porousness of the sanctions on Russia, the “madness” of it all. Donald Trump once again threatened to “annihilate” Iran if it did not make a deal, a promise that has now been made so many times its restating only reveals its hollowness. Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, responded in his own speech by saying that Iran has been the victim of US terrorism and aggression, and would defend itself with the “utmost strength”. The sole US delegation representative in the room walked out. Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist

20h ago
The GuardianHumanityUSA
The Guardian view on the death penalty: Christa Pike’s execution was botched, but cruelty is inherent | Editorial

The Guardian view on the death penalty: Christa Pike’s execution was botched, but cruelty is inherent | Editorial

Three-quarters of nations have rightly abolished capital punishment in law or practice, but killing by the state has surged in the US What is the kindest way to kill? That’s the question being asked once more following Tennessee’s failed attempts to execute Christa Pike for the brutal murder of a classmate, Colleen Slemmer, when she was 18. The 50-year-old was taken to a medical facility, her condition unknown, with witnesses describing her snoring loudly around 40 minutes after receiving two injections of pentobarbital on Wednesday. It is the second botched killing in months, prompting Tennessee’s governor to order a halt to executions. Lethal injection was supposed to be the humane alternative to firing squads and electric chairs. They in turn were seen as an improvement on hanging, which looked much like lynching in a system disproportionately handing the death penalty to black men. The age and ill health of those executed, and the ethical refusal of most medical staff to be involved, may contribute to botched injections. But analysis of autopsy results has provided compelling evidence that suffering is inherent; injections – especially those involving paralytic drugs – have merely disguised it. What is described as safeguarding the dignity of prisoners is really about reducing the discomfort of witnesses who would otherwise see their suffering.

8h ago
The GuardianDiplomacy
Inside the undersea kingdom: the secret, sinister battle to control what lies beneath the waves

Inside the undersea kingdom: the secret, sinister battle to control what lies beneath the waves

Every day, trillions of dollars, oil and gas and 99% of the world’s web traffic move through undersea pipelines that bear no state’s protection. With superpowers and corporations vying for control, should we be worried about this new wild west? On Christmas Day 2024, six weeks before Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were due to disconnect themselves from Russia’s power grid, a Finnish engineer was just about to sit down to lunch when his phone rang. He was responsible for the Finnish side of the undersea cables that keep Finland and the Baltic states supplied with electricity, and one was malfunctioning. Within a couple of hours, authorities knew that a Cook Islands-registered tanker called the Eagle S, part of the shadow fleet carrying sanctioned Russian oil, in this case to Egypt, had sailed over the cable at the moment and location at which it had stopped working. The coastguard hailed the Eagle S. Were their anchors up? Yes, they replied – though they did not seem to check – and sailed on. Three hours later the ship hit another four cables in quick succession, nearly hobbling internet provision in Finland and Estonia – and was minutes away from a major electricity cable and the Balticconnector, which supplies the two countries with gas. Finland scrambled the border guard, which pulled up alongside the tanker and demanded the crew take up its anchor. But the Eagle S was not in Finnish territorial waters: the authorities could not force the captain to comply, and they did not know who or what might come to his aid.

16h ago