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
Greens MSP Alison Johnstone
Greens MSP Alison Johnstone asks how the minister can guarantee those requiring advocacy will get it.
Ms Freeman says the government have completed a review of services across the country to identify gaps in support services.
The social security minister says she will report back to the committee on this in due course.
Labour MSP Pauline McNeill
Labour MSP Pauline McNeill asks if the minister can give an insight into difficulties between the UK and Scottish governments.
Ms McNeill says these difficulties will cause problems for claimants.
Ms Freeman says the disagreement is a technical one as to how both the UK and Scottish government can meet its differing social security needs.
The social security minister says she is unclear over the difficulties the UK government are having over the so called bedroom tax.
Tory MSP Annie Wells says there is not much she would disagree with in the statement however the detail was unsubstantial.
Ms Wells asks when parliament will hear more about benefits.
Ms Freeman says this will be worked through with the expert group and she hopes to provide more detail when she appears before the committee next week.
Labour MSP Mark Griffin asks when the government plan to give more information on Universal Credit.
Ms Freeman says the equalities budget has been protected.
The social security minister says increasing Carer's Allowance was in the government's manifesto and Mr Griffin knows this.
She says the government are looking to do this as quickly as possible.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says, if we are serious about building this system from the ground up, that is the point of the panels and working groups.
Ms Freeman says she is serious about that "it is disappointing they are not".
She says it is disappointing that Mr Tomkins did not hear her say that guidance from the expert panels will be used to create the system.
Image source, bbcConservative MSP Adam Tomkins
Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins welcomes the use of a charter to communicate to the public clearly what they can expect from a new social security system.
Mr Tomkins says it is remarkable there is nothing about the design of disability benefits, indeed nothing about substance at all.
If the minister wants to give the impression she is moving as slowly as possible, then she has succeeded says Mr Tomkins.
He asks if the human rights will have judicial teeth.
Image source, bbcThe minister confirmed that social security as a human right will be enshrined in the foundation and functions of Scotland’s new social security agency.
The overwhelming majority of respondents to the social security consultation backed the principles of fairness, dignity and respect being built into the agency from day one, says the Scottish government
The human right to social security will be on the face of the Bill which will be introduced to parliament in June, and an early action from the consultation will see those principles reflected in a charter.
Social Security Minister Jeanne Freeman says: "While our ambitions are high so too are the stakes."
Click here for a summary of the reports findings. , external
Ms Freeman says stakeholder panels will be involved throughout the design of the new service.
The social security minister says collaboration will be a common thread of the new system.
She says the chair of the social security work group will be Dr Jim McCormick of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Image source, bbcMs Freeman says the government will guarantee that the charter goes beyond warm words.
She says the charter will continue to be refined.
The social security minister says the scrutiny of the parliament is vitally important.
She says it is also important to ensure there is independent scrutiny and she confirms the government will enlist the support of objective experts to scrutinise the new social security system.
Jeane Freeman says social security is an investment we make in ourselves.
Ms Freeman says the right to social security is a human right and that is the starting point.
The social security minister says the Social Security Bill will enshrine a rights based approach with dignity and respect at the heart of the approach.
She says the Bill will be introduced before the end of June.
Image source, bbcSocial Security Minister Jeane Freeman
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says today marks the next important step to build a new social security system in partnership with the people of Scotland.
Ms Freeman thanks everyone who engaged with the consultation on the social security consultation.
She says a rich seam of evidence has emerged and it will provide a solid foundation.
The minister says there is much support for the Scottish government goal to build a fairer and more dignified social security system.
Image source, LUKASSEKThe Scottish government published A New Future for Social Security in Scotland in March.
Its consultation on how to use the social security powers devolved by the Scotland 2016 Act was closed in October.
You can find the published responses here, external.
There will now be a ministerial statement on the Scottish government's response to the Social Security Consultation.
SNP MSP Ivan McKee asks what the value of Scotland’s natural environment is to the economy.
Image source, bbcMs Cunningham says those caught fly-tipping can be fined.
Mr Briggs asks if the government will review the current penalties.
The environment secretary says penalties are regularly reviewed.
"It is difficult to catch fly-tippers," she says.
Image source, SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUSTTyres and mattresses were among the items dumped in the reserves
Fridges, burned-out vehicles and asbestos were among the items dumped in Scottish Wildlife Trust nature reserves last year.
The charity said it spends about £15,000 per year cleaning up after illegal fly-tippers and litterers.
It said it had seen "significant" fly-tipping in rural Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Borders and East Lothian.
The trust said urban sites in the central belt, including Dundee and Irvine, were the worst affected.
Other items dumped on the reserves included tyres, carpets, mattresses and building and plumbing waste.
Tory MSP Miles Briggs asks what action the government is taking to reduce the incidence of fly-tipping.
Ms Cunningham says the government recognises the importance of environmental standards in towns.
Mr Adam says it is important educational campaigns on keeping towns clean are important.
The environment secretary says she would encourage councils to looks at this.
SNP MSP George Adam asks how the government ensures that the environmental standards in towns and cities help promote Scotland's image.
Ms Cunningham says the government's priority is for a smooth transition between the crown estate to Scotland on 1 April.
Mr McArthur asks if she'll agree to let the islands lead the way and trial pilots.
The environment secretary says she is meeting with leaders from the islands with the potential of a pilot.