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Nicola Sturgeon has said there was a real risk the UK could be facing a 'lost decade' after leaving the EU.

The first minister was speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Parliament's European Committee.

She told MSPs on the committee that she remained "profoundly concerned" about the implications of Brexit, with the early signs "not encouraging".

And she said the "least worst option" of remaining in the single market should be the key objective.

Ms Sturgeon also criticised the UK government's failure to deliver answers on what will happen in relation to country's departure from the European Union.

Here is Scottish Conservative rural economy spokesperson Peter Chapman's amendment:

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Mr Ewing says he is utterly focused on driving forward the rural economy.

He says the government is on track to meet its ambitious broadband targets.

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The minister details other investments in the rural economy.

He cites the national loan scheme for farmers.

A new loan scheme is to be offered to Scottish farmers to prevent a repeat of the problems caused by delays to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments.

It was announced by Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing last week, and he admitted that the IT system largely responsible for the delays was "not there yet".

Mr Ewing said next year's payments were therefore "not-risk free".

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But he said farmers and crofters would be able to apply for a loan worth 80% of their total entitlement.

Farming union NFU Scotland welcomed the new scheme, which it said would give clarity and certainty to farmers.

But opposition parties claimed the scheme was an admission that problems with the CAP payment system may not yet have been resolved.

Mr Ewing says many EU citizens work in Scotland and "without these people Scotland's rural economy simply wouldn't work".

He asks if Scottish Conservatives are in favour of freedom of movement and membership of the single market.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart intervenes saying the question is not membership it's about access to the single market.

Mr Ewing says that is not very clear. 

Mr Ewing says Scottish fishermen are used to being treated unfairly by the UK government.

He says he intends to work for the best deal for fishermen and coastal workers.

The rural economy secretary says the best way to protect the rural economy is by maintaining membership of and access to the single market

He says the threat of the hard Brexit is undermining all economic sectors.

In August, UK Chancellor Phillip Hammond said EU funding for farmers, scientists and other projects would be replaced by the Treasury after Brexit, 

In a move which could cost up to £6bn a year, the Treasury will guarantee to back EU-funded projects signed before this year's Autumn Statement.

Agricultural funding now provided by the EU will also continue until 2020.

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But critics, including the SNP, have  said the guarantee does not go far enough and there was "continued uncertainty".

Mr Hammond said EU structural and investment fund projects signed before the Autumn Statement later this year, and Horizon research funding granted before leaving the EU, will be guaranteed by the Treasury after the UK leaves.

The EU's 80bn euro (£69bn) Horizon 2020, external programme awards funding for research and innovation and is open to UK institutions while the country remains a member.

Rural Economy Minister Fergus Ewing says: "The risks of leaving the EU are just too great."

These were not his words he says, but the words of Scottish Secretary David Mundell.

He says the Tories are preparing to give away the significant economic and social benefits being the EU brings.

"This is not the price the UK government should have to pay."

He says not one Tory MP has pointed out the risk to future rural funding and they have become born again Brexiteers.

Mr  Ewing welcomes the UK commitment on EU funding and also welcomes the finance secretaries pledge to pass on all the money to the rural economy.

In August it was announced that a series of summits were to be held on ways to boost Scotland's rural economy and consider its role in the EU following the Brexit vote.

Each event would focus on specific sectors including forestry, fish farming and food and drink.

Image source, PA

The discussions were to be hosted by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

They bring together industry representatives to recommend action to boost investment and consider how to protect interests with the EU.  

Mr Ewing said: "I want to drive forward the rural economy and there are a number of sectors which have a crucial role to play in this.

Health Secretary Shona Robison says she has already said Paul Gray was quite right to voice his concerns.

Ms Robison suggests Mr Sarwar should listen to her answers.

She repeats there are plans for an independent national whistleblowing officer and legislation will be brought forward to give the officer the necessary powers.

The health secretary says she will do what she can to ensure there is an open and transparent culture in the NHS.

Scottish Labour MSP Anas Sarwar says the reality is increased vacancies and cuts in the health service are only adding pressure to NHS staff.

Mr Sarwar asks what additional steps will be taken following Paul Gray's intervention yesterday. 

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Some health workers are still reluctant to blow the whistle on unsafe practices for fear of being victimised, the chief executive of NHS Scotland has admitted.

Paul Gray also said some staff do not raise issues because they believe it would not lead to any real change.

Writing in The Herald, external, he urged them to "have the confidence to come forward" with any genuine concerns.

He added: "You will be listened to and your concerns will be investigated. And you should tell me if they are not."

NHS Scotland staff can raise concerns about patient safety and malpractice through a confidential whistleblowing helpline.

Alert Line, external has been running for about three years and it is run by Public Concern at Work, an independent whistleblowing charity.

Health Secretary Shona Robison says all staff must have confidence that whistleblowing will be taken seriously.

Ms Robison says there is a national confidential help line and whistleblowing champions.

Mr Cole-Hamilton says staff need to know the national confidential helpline should be permanent.

The health secretary says the government want to take further action and is working on plans for a national whistleblowing officer and she says she is committed to the continuation of the helpline.

The Public Petitions Committee, external decided to write to Edinburgh City Council to ask about how the hotline works there and seek the government's view on whistleblowing champions.

MSPs agreed to keep PE1605 , externalby Peter Gregson, on behalf of Kids not Suits, on Whistleblowing in the NHS - a safer way to report mismanagement and bullying open.

Committee convener Johann Lamont said the committee should write to Scotland's health boards.

MSPs took evidence on PE1605 , externalby Peter Gregson, on behalf of Kids not Suits, on Whistleblowing in the NHS - a safer way to report mismanagement and bullying, on 15 September 2016. 

Image source, bbc

Mr Gregson is calling on the Scottish Parliament’s to urge the Scottish Government to establish an independent national whistleblower hotline for NHS staff to replace the current helpline.

It would differ in that it would investigate reports about mismanagement and malpractice, often without recourse to NHS managers.  

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton asks what action the government is taking to ensure that NHS staff feel able to raise concerns about the service.

Time for reflection is from Mr Paul Carberry, director of children’s services, Action for Children Scotland, external.

We'll be back at 2pm with time for reflection and then topical questions.

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton will raise the issue of NHS staff being able to raise concerns.

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The Scottish government will then lead a debate entitled 'Securing the Interests of Scotland's Rural Economy'.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon will then lead a debate highlighting the expense of feminine hygiene products.