Tory MSP Adam Tomkins seeks a response to comments from Scotland's Brexit Minister Mike Russell that trust between the government was at its lowest ebb and from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about attempts to dismantle devolution.

"I'm disappointed when I hear such comments because they're not reflected by reality," responds the Scottish secretary.

Mr Mundell insists he does not feel let down by Mr Russell because it was always clear that the Scottish minister was not the decision maker.

It was clear to the UK government that any discussion on agreements at the joint ministerial committee would have to be cleared by the first minister, he explains.

Mr Crawford says there is a distinct possibility this parliament will refuse consent and he reiterates his question as to Mr Mundell's advice to the UK government if this happens.

Mr Mundell repeats his answer saying he hopes to persuade the Scottish government to accept the EU Withdrawal Bill as amended last night.

The Scottish secretary says the Scottish parliament debate is important and he wants to encourage the parliament to recommend an LCM.

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"I want to make sure we're focusing on getting an agreement."

Mr Crawford says he must conclude the UK government could ignore the will of the Scottish Parliament.

We are still seeking legislative consent, insists Mr Mundell.

The committee convener again says the UK government could potentially ignore the will of the Scottish parliament.

We have already agreed the 24 areas which will be subject to UK frameworks, says Mr Mundell.

The debate is now about how to formally agree something we have already agreed, he suggests.

The Scottish secretary describes it as a head of a pin argument.

Mr Crawford asks what will happen if consent is not given.

Mr Mundell highlights there are still a few weeks of negotiations to go.

"I don't think it is helpful or useful to speculate about those events when agreement could still be reached and parliament could give its consent."

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Mr Mundell says it is important to stress the UK government wants to proceed on the basis of agreement.

The Scottish secretary believes agreement is the most likely outcome and welcomes the agreement with the Welsh government.

Mr Crawford asks why the UK government will not accept the amendment calling for the removal of Clause 11.

The committee convener asks if Mr Mundell does not trust the Scottish government.

Mr Mundell insists: "I do trust the Scottish government."

Simply deleting Clause 11 is not acceptable to the UK government, he outlines.

Brian Taylor
BBC Scotland Political Editor

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Democracy in these islands can be a curious concern. Scottish ministers are presently seeking to preserve, as they would see it, the carefully constructed powers of the elected Scottish Parliament.

Their latest attempt to do so relies upon, to varying degrees, the ancient but unelected House of Lords and the Privy Council, the venerable but comparably unelected body of advisers to the sovereign.

In making this point, I am not remotely blaming Scottish ministers, including the admirably persistent Mike Russell, the minister for mitigating Brexit (I shall keep naming him such until the title is adopted, formally).

Mr Russell has to play with the hand he is dealt. Across these islands, umpteen politicians are seeking to cope with the consequences of the popular decision to exit the European Union.

Read more here.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell says the current proposals will provide legal certainty on how laws work across the UK after Brexit and are respectful of devolution.

The UK government's amendment which was backed by the Welsh government was agreed in the Lords last night, he notes.

The measures in the Bill are needed to deal with the short-term impacts of leaving the EU says Mr Mundell.

He commits to working with the Scottish government as long-term plans develop.

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Talks between Scottish and UK ministers have once again ended without a deal on the use of devolved powers post-Brexit.

The two governments are at odds over how powers currently exercised from Brussels will be built into UK-wide frameworks after the UK leaves the EU.

Welsh ministers have agreed a deal with UK counterparts, but no settlement with Scottish ministers has yet been found.

Both sides say they can still come to an agreement, but they have only a few weeks left to do so.

An agreed text issued following the meeting said ministers had "noted the need for continued engagement", with further talks to be held in a bid to break the deadlock.

The dispute centres on the EU Withdrawal Bill, the primary piece of Brexit legislation at Westminster, and what it says about devolved powers.

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Finance and Constitution Committee convener Bruce Crawford gets us underway, welcoming the witnesses.

Mr Crawford invites the secretary of state for Scotland to make an opening statement.

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The Finance and Constitution Committee, external will now take evidence on the EU Withdrawal Bill from:

• Scottish Secretary David Mundell
• UK Constitution Minister Chloe Smith

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on 3 May 2018.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell and UK Constitution Minister Chloe Smith will give evidence to MSPs on the Brexit dispute, not once, but twice this morning!

The Finance & Constitution Committee is first up, as it continues its scrutiny of the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Then Mr Mundell and Ms Smith will scoot along the Holyrood Corridor to the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee.

We'll bring you extensive coverage of it all, apart from the dash between rooms!

After general questions we'll bring you comprehensive coverage of first minister's questions.

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This will be followed by a members’ business on the ‘Save the Hampden Roar Campaign’.

After lunch, the Scottish government leads a debate on digital connectivity.