Scottish Secretary Michael Moore admitted the UK Government was making no contingency plans for independence.
Mr Moore’s position was branded “totally unsustainable” and “letting down Scotland” during a House of Lords economic affairs committee after he also conceded Westminster would not approach the European Commission for a formal view on what would happen in the event of a Yes vote.
Lord Lawson said: “May I suggest, Secretary of State that your position is totally unsustainable. You are letting down very badly the people of Scotland.”
Baroness Kingsmill also branded his responses “weak,” while Lord Forsyth said the UK’s refusal to negotiate was “puzzling.”
During his evidence, Mr Moore said the UK Government would make detailed arguments over the next year, but would not “pre-negotiate” the outcome of the referendum, adding the Government was not going to “unpick the fabric of the UK” before a vote had taken place.
Annabelle Ewing of the SNP said: “It is time the UK Government paid attention and put in the work they should be doing.
“Instead of spending their time spreading smears about Scottish independence and trotting the globe talking Scotland down, they should be ensuring that the UK is prepared to follow through on the Edinburgh agreement and implement a positive decision by the people of Scotland.”