The UK Government's refusal to plan for a possible independent Scotland is "foolish and short-sighted" a senior Conservative has said in the wake of warnings by the head of the Navy.

James Arbuthnot, the chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, called on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to begin drawing up contingency arrangements immediately.

His comments came after the First Sea Lord warned that separation would damage the "very heart" of Britain's maritime defences.

Admiral Sir George Zambellas said that a 'Yes' vote would "weaken" the Royal Navy's effectiveness.

He also warned that independence would harm "the security" of Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Britain "would eventually adapt and cope", he added, but Scotland would face a "deeper impact" as it would no longer have access to "one of the finest and most efficient navies in the world".

His comments mark the first intervention in the independence debate by a serving military chief.

Mr Arbuthnot said: "If the First Sea Lord is saying that there are these real risks then to plan in a couple of years from now - before real live independence occurs - would be foolish and short-sighted. It would be wise to start contingency planning now".

He added: "It is not too late to start, but the quicker you start the better."

The MoD insists that it is not making contigency plans in the event of an independent Scotland.