Voters need facts about Scottish independence, Hague says as MPs warn rest of the UK's global reputation is at stake By Matt Chorley and Alan Roden Foreign Secretary William Hague today called on Alex Salmond to set out the facts about Scottish independence as a damning report warned the global reputation of the whole of the UK is at risk. Mr Salmond's foreign policy blueprint was branded unrealistic and based on "hope and assertion" by a committee of MPs. Mr Hague seized on the warning to say pro-independence campaigners were 'yet to present the facts', including the creation of a new network of embassies and secret service. Foreign Secretary William Hague (left) said SNP leader Alex Salmond's government had failed to spell out the facts of what it would mean in practice The Westminster government was urged to work with foreign partners to limit the impact if voters back independence in next year's referendum. Mr Hague said: 'The Scottish Government has yet to present the facts of what Scottish independence would mean in practice for the people of Scotland, including the costs of establishing diplomatic and other networks. The Scottish Government continues to present unfounded assertions as incontrovertible facts and conclusions, when the truth of the matter is very different. MPs conclude that SNP ministers have not grasped the huge challenge of setting up an overseas diplomatic and spying network. The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee also warns that joining international bodies such as the EU and Nato will be tougher than Nationalists claim. The politicians believe the SNP is relying on "goodwill for Scotland" from other nations - which is risky because ministers have already set out contentious demands for a UK-style euro opt-out, and a budget rebate. In findings published today, the committee outlines the "overwhelming body of law, evidence, practice and precedent" which suggests that what remains of the UK would inherit most international rights and obligations, leaving Scotland to "start anew." But the MPs also warn that a Yes vote in next year's referendum will damage the UK's international reputation and raise questions about its seat on the UN Security Council. The report said: 'It is difficult to measure the impact on the [remainder of the UK]'s international standing and influence in the event of Scotland becoming an independent country but we conclude that some degree of reputational damage is inevitable. 'We recommend that ahead of the referendum, the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) does more, when appropriate, to engage with international partners in order to highlight the UK's commitment to a consensual and broad-based engagement on the Scottish referendum, with a view to minimising the risk of damage to the UK's reputation.' Chancellor George Osborne last week used a speech in Glasgow to warn an independent Scotland would end up 'like Panama' with no control over its currency Last night, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon rejected the findings as "partisan." The Foreign Affairs Committee is chaired by veteran Tory MP Richard Ottaway. Its criticism follows a torrid week for Mr Salmond, with doubt over his party's currency plans and fears over the future of UK-wide pension schemes. Mr Ottaway said there were some worrying gaps in the Scottish Government's foreign policy vision and assumptions were being made that don't seem to be based on concrete evidence. No-one doubts that Scotland could be a fully-fledged member of the international community, but there's a real and urgent need for more information about the risks and costs involved. It's not enough to hope and assert that things will go in Scotland's favour at an international level and that goodwill will be forthcoming. During the committee's evidence sessions, Nationalist ministers were accused of failing to "think through" the massive implications of severing ties with MI5, MI6 and the communications centre GCHQ. Scotland's deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon dismissed the MPs' report as 'partisan' The Scottish Government would have to set up its own embassies and establishing only 100 outposts has been estimated to cost around £1billion alone. Miss Sturgeon has claimed there would still "be very close intelligence sharing with the rest of the UK." But today's report states while co-operation would be the norm on many issues, competition could overtake this in key foreign policy areas and co-operation could not be taken for granted. It adds: "There is a need for more clarity and more candour about what Scots would lose and what the Scottish Government could realistically deliver in foreign policy terms with the resources available to it." The report disputes the view that an independent Scotland's membership of the EU and Nato would be straightforward. Swift membership of Nato is described as "overly optimistic," with MPs warning of "robust negotiations." Scotland could also be forced to keep Trident nuclear weapons for a generation, due to pressure from international partners. But Miss Sturgeon said the report is "clearly written from the partisan perspective of a group inherently opposed to the concept of independence and primarily concerned with protecting the interests... of the UK."