An independent report has concluded that the BBC is not impartial, is pro-European and its journalists are ignorant.

The report – commissioned by BBC’s Board of Governors – has found while there is no evidence of deliberate bias in coverage of the European Union, the broadcaster suffers certain forms of cultural and unintentional bias.

The document says that as the public service broadcaster, the BBC bears a heavy responsibility for keeping the public informed.

It says ignorance among BBC journalists must be addressed urgently.