We, the undersigned, are calling for immediate accountability regarding the conduct of Jim Allister MP, following his highly inflammatory and sectarian remarks made during a recent broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland.

During an interview with BBC NI presenter Mark Carruthers, Jim Allister used the deeply alarming phrase regarding the "sanitising of Catholics." This kind of rhetoric is not only offensive, but it actively fuels sectarian division in a society that has worked tirelessly for decades to build peace, mutual respect, and cross-community reconciliation.

As an elected Member of Parliament, Mr. Allister has a fundamental duty to represent his constituents with respect and to uphold the principles of integrity and leadership. Using language that dehumanizes or alienates an entire religious community completely betrays that duty. Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that this language was broadcast without robust immediate challenge, normalizing rhetoric that should have no place in our public discourse.

Northern Ireland deserves better than the politics of division and hostility. We cannot allow hateful or sectarian language to go unchecked by those in positions of power.

1. An Immediate Apology: A full, unreserved, and public retraction and apology from Jim Allister MP for his language.

2. Regulatory & Political Accountability: While the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is procedurally barred from investigating an MP’s spoken opinions, we demand a formal review by Ofcom into the broadcasting of this material, and call on political leaders to publicly condemn this rhetoric.

3. Resignation: A demand that Jim Allister steps down from his position as MP, as he has demonstrated he is unfit to respectfully represent a diverse constituency.

4. Broadcaster Accountability: A commitment from BBC Northern Ireland to rigorously challenge sectarian rhetoric and ensure it is not left unquestioned on our public airwaves.

By signing this petition, you are taking a stand against sectarianism and demanding that our political representatives are held to the basic standards of decency, respect, and equality.