DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said he was working with police in relation to a blocked road in his east Belfast constituency last year. His comments come as several Sinn Féin and People Before Profit members are set to be interviewed by police over potential law-breaking at protests on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown against the Drumcree Orange parade.
Protest in Dundonald
Mr Robinson, who is MP for East Belfast, was photographed speaking with people during a demonstration against immigration on a road close to Ballybeen in Dundonald in his constituency on June 18, 2025. A police spokesperson said officers will review the footage against potential offences by those involved as part of the investigation.
“As an investigation into this matter is currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” they added.
Robinson’s response
Mr Robinson said it is “very clear” he was working with the PSNI “in stark contrast” to those on the Garvaghy Road opposing an Orange Order parade. “It is very clear that I was there with the PSNI, working with the PSNI, engaging on their behalf,” he said.
“That is what I was doing, that is stark contrast to individuals standing, ignoring the PSNI, ignoring warnings to say that they are in breach of the law and continuing to snub their nose at the rule of law. I uphold the rule of law.”
Interview on Sunday Politics
During an interview on BBC Northern Ireland’s Sunday Politics programme, it was put to Mr Robinson that he had been doing what he was criticising others for on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown in recent weeks. Mr Robinson responded: “No, because I was working with the police. I wasn’t opposing them. I wasn’t obstructing them, and nor was I obstructing a road.
“I don’t engage in breaking the law. I uphold the rule of law. Your viewers at home will be scratching their head at this distraction that you’re asking me about.”
