FUNDING of research at universities across the UK would not continue under the current integrated system following a vote for Scottish independence, the Westminster Government has said.

David Willetts, the Minister for Universities and Science, said the UK-wide research councils would no longer fund Scottish research in the way they do currently if there was a Yes vote.

On Tuesday, Professor Paul Boyle, of Research Councils UK, told the Scottish Parliament a continuation of the current model would be beneficial - regardless of whether Scotland became independent.

Mr Willets said: "UK research councils, in the event of a split, would finance research activities in the continuing UK. That is how it would work. By and large, we do not finance research activities in France or Germany."

However, Mr Willets did not rule out joint working completely, stating: "We would, of course, collaborate on an international basis wherever possible, but this would not be on the same basis as the current, UK-wide arrangements."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We welcome the UK government's apparent admission that collaboration with the UK is possible."