Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott has aired his disappointment at the decision taken today (June 10) by BBC Northern Ireland (NI) to cancel its live coverage of the annual Twelfth of July celebrations.

Mr. Elliott a former Fermanagh County Grand Master of the Order said "I'm very disappointed at the decision taken today by the BBC NI. The Twelfth of July celebrations are the biggest in Northern Ireland watched by half a million people every year.

"But for many in our communities especially our older citizens or those whom it is not possible for them to attend in person. This decision to end live coverage will greatly affect them. BBC NI have agreed to continue with their highlights programme, however, my feeling is that this will not represent the bright and colourful atmosphere that is broadcasted through live coverage."

“I note the significant annual coverage that the BBC provide to other cultural activities, I will be asking the BBC to provide a comparison of the hours coverage delivered by them for a range of activities, groups and organisations.”

“I ask the BBC to reconsider their decision on this matter,” said Mr. Elliott.

Mr. Elliott's views echo those highlighted in a statement issued by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland today.

A spokesperson for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said: “This decision by BBC NI was reached without meaningful discussion or consultation with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and is immensely disappointing and frustrating, not only for our members but for the many members of the public who watch the programme each year.

“We became aware of the plans to cancel the live broadcast during our annual Twelfth of July planning meeting with BBC NI staff.

“The Grand Secretary Rev. Mervyn Gibson and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, a former Assistant Grand Master and DUP Leader, then met with Interim Director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth and asked him to reconsider this decision.

“The BBC is a public broadcasting service and to cancel live coverage of the Twelfth of July - the biggest cultural event in Northern Ireland with tens of thousands taking part and hundreds of thousands more watching at the eighteen host venues – defies logic.

“We pointed out many people cannot attend Twelfth of July parades for a range of reasons. Many are housebound due to illness or old age, while others are in nursing homes – they are the people who will be impacted most by this decision.

“It is hard to accept this as anything other than a further snub to the wider Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist Community and our culture.”