UNIONISTS criticised the British government yesterday for implementing two of the North Report's "reactionary" recommendations on parades, just weeks before the marching season is due to begin.
In an attempt to rush through, the legislation before the British parliament adjourns today, the House of Commons sat through the night and voted to give police the power to confiscate alcoholic drinks from marchers and to increase the notice required for a march from seven to 21 days.
Although the British Labour party criticised the government for only implementing two of the report's 43 recommendations, it voted with the Tories to ensure a government majority of 59 votes to six.
The Rev William McCrea, the Democratic Unionist MP for Mid-Ulster, described the government's proposals as "reactionary" and suggested the public order problems during the marching season shad deliberately been "created".
"What we are seeing is the creation of a situation where neighbour is being put against neighbour, and it doesn't just happen - it has been carefully devised over the years," he added.
The Rev Martin Smyth, for the Ulster Unionists, agreed, arguing that the local residents had plotted to halt the parades even though the Orange Order was not "in conflict with anyone".
Although Labour supported the recommendations, the shadow Northern Ireland minister, Mr Tony Worthington, accused the government of failing the people of, Northern Ireland by only implementing two of the proposals.
The Labour Party would continue to pressurise the British government over the report, Mr Worthington added.