The Scottish Labour party has called for BBC Scotland reporters to be given guidance on how to report politics neutrally.

The Scottish Labour party has called for BBC Scotland reporters to be given guidance on how to report politics neutrally.

The party raised concerns over the network's political coverage in a submission to the Scottish Broadcasting Commission.

In his submission, Colin Smyth, Scottish General Secretary of the party, said the terminology used by journalists could suggest they are not neutral observers.

He said there were "legitimate concerns" about the use of certain terminology in describing the political process.

But Nationalists today dismissed his concerns as a "paranoid rant"

Mr Smyth objected to references to the "London government" and called for more consistency in the terminology journalists use.

He wrote: "There is, too frequently, a disparity in both the tone and terminology of differing political institutions.

"For example references to the "London government" are clearly designed to elicit a certain reaction and should be avoided by journalists.

"Whilst this may well be unintentional on the part of BBC journalists, such editorial decisions place the broadcasters in the uncomfortable position of appearing to be a partial contributor to, rather than a neutral observer and interpreter of, political events.

"This is obviously unsatisfactory, and why the BBC should consider providing guidance to BBC Scotland editorial and journalistic staff to ensure both neutrality and consistency - reference to Westminster and Holyrood alongside each other, and reference to government should be UK and Scottish alongside each other."

His submission is posted on the Scottish Broadcasting Commission website.

SNP Broadcasting spokesperson, Pete Wishart MP, dismissed Mr Smyth's comments.

He said: "This is nothing more than a paranoid rant by the Labour Party, which has nothing to do with bias and everything to do with bitterness.

"While the objectives of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission have been widely welcomed right across Scotland, clearly it has struck a raw nerve with Labour."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "We recognise the importance of accurate and impartial language.

"We make every effort to ensure appropriate terminology are used in our journalism across our output."

The Scottish Broadcasting Commission was established by First Minister Alex Salmond to conduct an independent investigation into the current state of television production and broadcasting in Scotland and define a strategic way forward for the industry.

It has taken evidence from various bodies and will publish its final report in September.