A Christian group is handing a petition of almost 12,000 signatures to the BBC asking it not to take up proposals that will reduce Christian programming.

It is also asking that Aaqil Amhed is removed from his position as Head of Religion and Ethics.

Revd Lynda Rose, CEO of Voice for Justice UK, told Premier: "The UK is actually a Christian country, it's established as such by statue, all our laws, our traditions, our culture is founded on Christian values, so it would seem entirely right that Christianity be given priority air time.

"It is right that Christanity be respected for what it is, our values be respected, that it be presented fairly, and that in the programming schedules the status of Christanity as the established religion of this country should be recognised."

"Even when it comes to general programming, Christians are being misrepresented or treated unfairly, they're either portrayed as barmy, or they're very much portrayed as endosring modern, secular views."

Voice for Justice UK also told Premier it thinks there is an "unacceptable bias in favour of Islam and against Christianity" when it comes to BBC religious programming.

Revd Lynda Rose added: "It's scandalous that someone displaying such clear pro-Islamic bias and contempt for Christianity should be the BBC's Head of Religion and Ethics.

"We may be a multicultural society, but the UK is still officially a Christian country, and Christianity should be given proper coverage and treated with respect.

A BBC Spokesperson said: "We are actually intending to do more programming around Christianity and more on other faiths as well, so there is absolutely no question of an 'either or' on our output.

BBC Head of Religion and Ethics, Aaqil Ahmed is not biased against Christianity programming, nor does he show any pro-islamic bias and any suggestions that he does are ludicrous and unfounded."

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Revd Lynda Rose here: