Unionists attack plan to curb parades

Plans to try to avoid parades in Northern Ireland becoming a flashpoint for sectarian violence came under Unionist fire in the Commons yesterday.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble branded the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Bill "the most serious and substantial assault on the civil rights of the people of Northern Ireland this century".

The Bill, which has already completed its Lords stages, sets up a Parades Commission to arbitrate as a last resort on disputed marches.