Summary

  • The Europe Committee takes evidence from International Trade Minister Greg Hands and Scottish Secretary David Mundell on Brexit.

  • Portfolio questions: rural economy and connectivity ministers followed by environment, climate change and land reform brief

  • Ministerial Statement: Scottish government responds to the social security consultation

  • Health Secretary Shona Robison will lead a debate in tribute to the late MND campaigner Gordon Aikman

  • SNP MSP Colin Beattie leads this evenings member's debate entitled: Industrial Strategy for a More Prosperous, Fairer Britain

Live Reporting

Colin Bell and Craig Hutchison

  1. MSPs will question UK ministers over Brexit implications shortly

    David Mundell and Greg Hands are both to give evidence to Holyrood's Europe committeePA/Getty

    David Mundell and Greg Hands are both to give evidence to Holyrood's Europe committee

    MSPs are to question UK ministers Greg Hands and David Mundell on the implications of Brexit for Scotland.

    Mr Mundell is expected to tell the Europe committee that there are "no circumstances" which would see Scotland stay in the EU when the UK leaves.

    He will tell members that even if Scotland became independent it would need to apply to join the EU afresh.

    The Scottish government said it would "pursue every necessary option to protect our place in Europe".

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has put forward a paper of "compromise" proposals aimed at keeping Scotland inside the European single market, and has said UK moves away from the single market "undoubtedly" make a second independence referendum more likely.

    The UK government meanwhile highlighted "strengthening the union" as part of its approach in its Brexit white paper.

    MSPs recently voted by 90 to 34 to oppose triggering Article 50, the formal start of the Brexit process, although the Supreme Court has ruled that there is no legal need for Holyrood to give its consent.

  2. First up the Europe Committee

    Brexit and EU sign postALTAMIRA83

    First up this morning we'll bring you full coverage of the Europe Committee as it continues to take evidence on the implications of Brexit for Scotland. 

    During the first evidence session the committee will hear from the UK government's International Trade Minister Greg Hands.

    It will then hear from the Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell.

  3. Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live

    Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 22 February 2017. 

    First up this morning, we'll bring you coverage of the Europe Committee as it takes evidence from the UK government's International Trade Minister Greg Hands.

    During the second evidence session, the committee will take evidence from Scottish Secretary David Mundell. 

    EU, saltire and UK flags, rural Scotland, poverty and Gordon AikmanGetty / BBC

    In the chamber this afternoon we begin with portfolio questions which focuses firstly on the rural economy and connectivity brief, followed by questions on the environment, climate change and land reform.

    There will then be a ministerial statement on the Social Security Consultation. 

    Health Secretary Shona Robison will lead a debate in tribute to the late MND campaigner Gordon Aikman.

    After decision time, SNP MSP Colin Beattie will lead a debate entitled 'Industrial Strategy for a More Prosperous, Fairer Britain'.