Speaking on the issue, Ms Lockhart said: “I note the Secretary of State’s statement, following his meeting with the Chair of the Parades Commission.
 
“It is welcome that Secretary of State, Sir Chris Bryant, is treating this matter seriously, but regrettably assurances from this Commission, no matter how rhetorically loaded they may be, will not suffice.”
 
The MP said: “The Secretary of State rightly set the test as being the Commission commanding the support of all communities. Unionism has been very clear: only resignations will suffice.
 
“Aside from anything else, at least one of the Commissioners, Mr Gamble, given what has come out, could never conceivably in public law terms, sit on any decision pertaining to the loyal orders. He therefore simply cannot discharge his functions, even aside from the public confidence issues.”
 
Carla Lockhart added: “I am also calling for an independent investigation, ideally Judge led, into the Parades Commission, its governance and structures and the legislative framework itself.
 
“For example, at the very least there should be a statutory appeal to the High Court, enshrined within the legislative framework, in order to provide applicants the opportunity to have decisions judicially scrutinised on their merits, without having to resort to a Judicial Review on public law proceedings.”