BBC POLICY ON CONTENT OF PROGRAMMES

Early day motion 584, tabled 25 January 2005 by Martin Smyth (UUP). Signed by 8 members.

That this House notes that the haste with which the BBC apologised for a suggestion on Blue Peter that the Red Hand of Ulster was an appropriate emblem; is aware that the Red Hand is the emblem of Tyrone and other international bodies; recognises the right of freedom of expression, but is angered at the BBC's unwillingness in contrast to apologise for Jerry Springer the Opera, despite over 40,000 objections and Jerry Springer's own condemnation; and calls upon the BBC to refrain from gratuitous insults against Jesus Christ and Christianity, even though the UK may be a religiously sceptical nation.

Signatures by party: UUP 5, Conservative 2, DUP 1.