Image source, BARCROFT IMAGES

The UK government has distanced itself from a page of Brexit notes caught on camera in Westminster.

The handwritten notes, carried by an aide to Conservative MP Mark Field, included "what's the model? Have your cake and eat it" and "unlikely" in reference to the EU single market.

They were photographed after Mr Field and his aide left a meeting with the Brexit department at 9 Downing Street.

The government said the notes did not reflect its Brexit position.

Scottish Labour MSP Richard Leonard asks Brexit Minister Mike Russell where Scotland's place in the single market lies.

Mr Russell says it is a "live and fast moving" discussion.

The Brexit minister says it is not entirely clear how the UK government want to leave because he is not being told things clearly.

He says certain notes appearing in the media today appear to reflect the situation as he understands it.

Mr Russell says he believes we are headed for a hard-Brexit.

He says the first minister has laid out possibilities for remaining in the single market.

The minister again says the £800m of capital funding for Scotland represents a diminution of the cut only.

Mr Lockhart says when it comes to productivity most of the levers now lie with the Scottish government.

Gary Gillespie from the Scottish government agrees.

Conservative MSP Dean Lockhart says the relationship between exports and productivity and the economy must be "match fit".

Mr Lockhart says Scotland's productivity targets were not yet.

He asks how does the Scottish government measure productivity and when will new targets be introduced.

Mr Brown says it is important to acknowledge there are two governments involved in the economy.

The economy secretary says the government expects to have fresh targets coming from the review.

However the target to be in the top quartile of the OECD in terms of international performance remains, says Mr Brown.

Image source, Getty Images

Many economists prior to the referendum had been predicting an immediate and significant impact on the UK economy and consumer confidence should the country vote to leave the EU. 

But so far these predictions have not come to pass.

Latest figures show the economy grew by 0.5% in the three months after the Brexit vote, powered by the UK's services sector.

This was slower than the 0.7% rate in the previous quarter, but stronger than analysts' estimates of about 0.3%.

In its report for the Autumn Statement, the Office for Budget Responsibility has upgraded its growth forecast to 2.1% in 2016, from 2.0%, but downgraded to 1.4% in 2017, from 2.2%.

Government finances were forecast to be £122bn worse off in the period until 2021 than had been forecast in March's Budget.

The Bank of England has raised its forecast for economic growth next year to 1.4% from 0.8%, but cut expectations for 2018 to 1.5% from 1.8%.

Image source, SDI

Scottish Development International (SDI), external says it has a proven track record of helping companies succeed in business in Scotland. SDI is the international arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies. It can offer significant financial incentives and other assistance to help establish and grow your business in Scotland and worldwide. This can include support to: 

• Identify and secure the skills and talent you need• Train and develop staff• Finance capital investment, innovation and research & development• Improve manufacturing and energy efficiency• Develop leadership skills

Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie says proximity to markets is a key driver to exporting.

Ms Baillie says there are 29 SDI officers across the world but only one in the rest of the UK.

She asks the economy secretary to explain this.

Mr Brown says there are representatives in a number of different areas and sectors. 

He says there will be more staff in the London hub and also in Dublin.

The economy secretary says the Republic of Ireland has been very successful in attracting businesses and the first minister will meet with 100 business leaders today.

Mr Brown says there needs to be better data on how the economy is performing in order to inform decisions going forward.

The economy secretary says "we should not be afraid" to commission extra research and have a "root and branch review" of data relating to Scotland's economy. 

Mr Brown says the labour market statistics are three months out of date and come from a very small survey.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown says the government wants to internationalise companies.

Mr Brown says the Enterprise and Skills Review shows that the export base of the economy has to be expanded. 

Nicola Sturgeon has started a two-day visit to Ireland as she looks to strengthen links between Scotland and Ireland in the wake of the Brexit vote.

The Scottish first minister met President Michael D Higgins and foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan.

She will also become the first serving head of government to address the upper house of the Irish Parliament.

It follows a meeting with Irish premier Enda Kenny at the British Irish Council last week.

The first minister wants to expand business, cultural and political links between Scotland and Ireland under plans to strengthen relationships with EU countries.

The economy secretary says the first minister is in Dublin to announce the boost of the SDI presence there.

Mr Brown says there will be a trade board and the process has begun to appoint members.

He says there is a great deal of activity to improve trade.

The economy secretary says last week's announcement of £800m capital investment for Scotland only ameliorate the cuts coming from Westminster.

Mr Brown calls for the UK to remain in the single market.

Mr Brown warns of the dangers of not being a full member of the single market.

The minister says the Fraser of Allander Institute says leaving the single market could result in the economy being 5% worse of overall over a decade.

The economy secretary says Brexit has led to a rise in inflation, which combined with a benefits freeze, will squeeze incomes further.

He says this will be the longest period of stagnant wages since World War 2.

The minister insists Scotland's trade relationship with the rUK will be maintained.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown says last time he was before the committee he warned of the economic impact of Brexit.

Mr Brown says Scotland's economy is resilient.

The economy secretary says the outlook for Scotland in terms of growth has weakened because of the referendum.

He says this will start to dampen job prospects, business profits and household incomes. 

The minister says a hard Brexit will bring about the worst outcomes for the Scottish economy.

Tory MSP and committee convener Gordon Lindhurst introduces the witnesses.