Labour has accused BBC Scotland of political bias, claiming that its use of phrases like “the London government” is playing into the hands of the Scottish Nationalists.

The party has angered BBC journalists and has been criticised by political opponents over claims that corporation staff are guilty of using partisan language.

In its submission to the Scottish government’s broadcasting commission, Colin Smyth, Scottish Labour’s general secretary, said there were “legitimate concerns about the use of certain terminology in describing the political process.”

“There is, too frequently, a disparity in both the tone and the 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,” he said.

“While 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 rather than a neutral observer and interpreter of political events.”

Smyth said this was “obviously unsatisfactory” and claimed the BBC should issue guidance to staff to be more careful with their language.

A BBC spokeswoman rejected the criticisms, saying: “We recognise the importance of accurate and impartial language and make every effort to ensure that the appropriate terminology is used in our journalism across our output.”

A source close to Alex Salmond, the first minister, said: “The Labour submission is a disgrace. It is an extraordinary attack on the integrity and impartiality of BBC Scotland journalists.

“The Scottish broadcasting commission has been welcomed right across Scottish society, as a key initiative in boosting the industry in Scotland, but for the Labour party it has clearly struck a raw nerve.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Conservative party added: “For Labour to make this the mainstay of their submission shows a paranoia which has more to do with their own failings than anyone else’s treatment of them.

“It is up to the Labour party if they want to engage in grudge and gripe, but it would be far better for them to join us in looking positively to the future of broadcasting in Scotland, and backing our ideas for a new Scottish digital television channel.”

Labour also warned against replacing the BBC’s Six O’ Clock News and Reporting Scotland with an hour-long “Scottish Six” show made in Scotland.

“We wholly reject any politically motivated attempts to mend what is not broken,” Smyth said.

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