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Tory MSP Murdo Fraser says are agreeing to some human rights being curtailed during this emergency situation, but that does not mean powers should be unfettered or negate the need for scrutiny.

There is a case for a new committee of parliament to be formed to look at the specifics of this bill Mr Fraser says, welcoming the government signalling it was open to this.

The Tory MSP says we must avoid people having to move home so the extension for eviction notices seems sensible. However he warns this does not mean rent should not be paid and an agreement on paying back arrears should be agreed between tenants and landlords.

He welcomes the plan to establish a fund for landlords who may face financial hardship, particularly for those whose rental properties are their primary source of income.

Turning to jury trials, Mr Fraser says the removal of this right would be prejudicial and he welcomes this being removed from the bill and taken back for further consideration.

He suggests alternatives including holding cases in larger venues, remote juries or testing for coronavirus at the start of each day. None of these are ideal but they must be properly examined, he argues.

Laura Kuenssberg
BBC political editor

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The newly reopened Love Gorgie Farm in Edinburgh has offered to look after the small pets of those unable to look after them because they are unwell with coronavirus.

The farm appealed for pet owners to get in touch, external and said that staff would be happy to look after them while they recover.

Holyrood Live
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Europe Minister Jenny Gilruth confirms she will bring forward an amendment to the bill to take into account the Information Commissioner's recommendation on extending the period within which bodies must respond to FOI requests.

As it currently stands, the bill would see this time frame increase from 20 to 60 working days.

The Scottish information commissioners office warns it would be "unfair to requesters for responses to be delayed when such delay is unnecessary".

Holyrood Live
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Mr Yousaf says there will be further discussions with the legal profession, opposition parties and of course the victims of crime to find a practical solution to ensure justice is done and not delayed.

He says emergency legislation will be tabled for debate on 21 April 2020.

The justice secretary points out all the measures in the bill are temporary.

He pivots to the early release of prisoners, saying the coronavirus outbreak is causing a reduction in prison staff measures and stresses the priority is to keep the public safe.

The bill alllows for the creation of a bespoke system for the early release of prisoner, Mr Yousaf, although secondary legislation will be required to actually release any.

Public safety will always be a key consideration for us and appropriate risk assessments will be undertaken as well as no prisoner being released who poses a risk of harm, he says.

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Mr Yousaf says the government is working in a spirit of compromise and consensus and adds "we understand how vital the principle of trial by jury is".

The justice secretary says the proposal to have trials without juries is proportionate, but does not have the support of this chamber and he is aware of the concerns of the profession.

"Accordingly I intend to move an amendment at Stage 2 which will remove that section of the bill."

Holyrood Live
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Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf begins by saying the most important duty for a government is keeping its citizens safe and maintaining public order.

"We will do everything we can to maintain a fair and effective justice system."

However the realities of the current public health guidance must be responded to, he explains and where possible the use of digital systems are being used in courts already.

"It is essential that the justice system continues to function and public confidence is maintained."

The backlog in cases is building up and this legislation can only hope to mitigate that, he says.

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Housing Minister Kevin Stewart says some households will face "significant financial hardship" during this time which in turn could impact their ability to pay rent, he says.

This bill will prevent people from being evicted from their homes by temporarily extending the notice period for eviction, and this will apply to both the social and private rented sector the minister says.

Mr Stewart encourages landlords to speak to their mortgage provider about a break in payments if this measure will put pressure on them.

A fund for private landlords will be established by the government, providing interest free loans, he announces. This will be in place by the end of April.

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Mr Russell says the part of the bill about having trials without juries has been withdrawn.

The constitution secretary tells MSPs the government will come back with a standalone bill on 21 April 2020 after consultation with the legal community and victims' organisations.

He commits the government to involve the parliament in any changes to this bill.

There had been widespread opposition to trials without juries, with the Scottish Criminal Bar Association (SCBA) calling the changes to justice system "premature, disproportionate and ill-advised".

Read more here.

Holyrood Live
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Mr Russell says the measures in the bill are necessary and proportionate and are not for ever.

The constitution secretary says unless approved by the Parliament the provisions of this bill will expire on 30 September 2020, this date can be extended for two six month periods if MSPs agree to do so.

"The longest this bill can last is 18 months."

Every single change in the bill will be kept under review by the government and all measures will only continue if necessary to combat the virus and any measure can be suspended at any time.

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Mr Russell says this emergency legislation is "solely designed to help our country pull through."

He says frontline workers and the people of Scotland are rising to the occasion and the public know that people staying at home are protecting the NHS and saving lives.

“Our laws need to change, for a while, in response to the Coronavirus crisis.”

This bill provides essential and practical help to those in difficulty due to Covid-19 to keep a roof over their heads or who are struggling with debt, he explains.

Mr Russell accepts the bill will make dramatic changes that some will find uncomfortable and challenging adding he finds them very difficult too.

Holyrood Live
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Constitution Secretary Mike Russell begins the first debate today on the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, external, which has just been designated as an emergency bill.

MSPs are set to push through emergency powers in the bill to tackle the coronavirus crisis in a single day at Holyrood.

The vote on this Stage One debate will now follow at 11am.

Mr Russell is the first of four minister who will open this debate.

Holyrood Live
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MSPs begin the day by agreeing the emergency legislation will be passed in a day.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh explains a new deputy presiding officer is to be elected later, with the post to last for the duration of the coronavirus response.

He also tells because seating is limited due to social distancing measures, some MSPs will participate in the debate from the public gallery and alternative arrangements to allow everyone to vote are in place.

Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Correspondent

Two senior SNP politicians have spoken out against Scottish government proposals to suspend jury trials in Scotland during the coronavirus outbreak.

The former justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill, said the use of juries was “sacrosanct” and should continue in most cases where that would normally happen.

Joanna Cherry MP said trials requiring juries should be delayed rather than be heard by a judge only.

They join the Scottish Criminal Bar Association in criticising the proposals to be debated as part of emergency coronavirus legislation at Holyrood today.

The UK government has not announced anything similar for England.

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Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord Calloway has backed the Scottish government, suggesting that putting off cases would lead to a backlog of a thousand by the summer.

Victim Support Scotland are also in favour of the temporary change.

The justice secretary, Humza Yousaf, said the Scottish government would seek to proceed with “compromise and consensus” which suggests these proposals will be significantly changed.