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UK Cabinet Office minister David Lidington says the EU don't want to use the Norther Ireland backstop, but if they use it they want to use it for as short a time as possible.

Mr Tomkins argues that the backstop will require Northern Ireland to continue to adhere to single market rules.

Mr Lidington says it is only in the last month that the EU accepted the compromise on customs.

On regulations there are already areas where Northern Ireland diverges, like livestock, says the UK government minister.

He says any checks will only be on the market, nothing on the borders, and carried out by UK officials.

If the backstop was utilised the UK would seek to realign with Northern Ireland he tells Mr Tomkins.

Tory MSP Adam Tomkins says at the moment, the most significant difference of view between the two governments is that the UK government believe it is this deal or no deal.

The Scottish government still believes there are other options on the table, he adds.

Mr Lidington explains that in order to get to this deal, both the UK government and the EU have had to move.

The European Commission could not have been clearer that this is the deal and they are not interested in re-opening negotiations, he says.

MSPs are set to reject the draft Brexit deal after four of Holyrood's parties issued a joint statement.

Europe committee convener Joan McAlpine highlights there is no mention of Scotland in the agreement and asks why is Scotland "being ignored".

Mr Lidington says he does not agree with the premise of the question.

Scotland is being treated "no differently" from England and Wales, he insists.

People feel like they haven't been respected or included in the process, responds Ms McAlpine.

The minister says there are clear political differences between the positions of the two governments.

But he points to agreement on the trade in goods which he says is a priority for Scotland.

UK Cabinet Office minister David Lidington says he is confident the withdrawal agreement will deliver for Scottish businesses.

We will have a close relationship with the EU on services and investment, he adds.

On fishing, Mr Lidington says the EU will be an independent coastal state and "we will be able to negotiation fishing quotas independently".

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We'll shortly bring you full coverage of Brexit evidence session with UK Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington in a joint meeting of the constitution committee AND the Europe committees.

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This year, 320,000 people were recorded as homeless in Britain, analysis from housing charity Shelter suggests.

It is a rise of 13,000, or 4%, on last year's figures and equivalent to 36 new people becoming homeless every day.

London has the highest rate of homelessness, but it is growing fastest in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and north-west England, the analysis says.

Around 43,000 people became homeless in Scotland last year, with a household losing their home every 18 minutes.

Read more.

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says trauma can be both the cause and result of homelessness.

He highlights the higher number of homeless people who are ex-offenders, veterans or survivors of childhood abuse.

Some of the accommodation in Edinburgh is "frankly appalling" he says and he urges the council to review the state of its housing stock.

Green MSP Andy Wightman welcomes the adoption of the Housing First approach, but says there are some "missing pieces of the jigsaw" to tackle homelessness.

He says the main drivers of homelessness are landlords asking tenants to leave, and domestic abuse.

People should not lose their homes simply because their landlord decides to sell the property, he argues.

Mr Wightman also says that tenants continue to be evicted because landlords want to use the property for short-term let.

Image source, SP

Pauline McNeill believes the scandal of homelessness "must end", noting the average life expectancy of a rough sleeper is 43.

The Labour MSP calls for local government to be given the resources they need to be able to address homelessness.

Ms McNeill adds that issues around the suitability of temporary accommodation need to be urgently addressed, and Mr Stewart confirms a consultation on this will be brought forward soon.

Domestic abuse is a leading cause of homelessness, the Labour MSP highlights, and she calls for emergency funding to be made available for individuals who find themselves in these circumstances.

Image source, SP

Tory MSP Graham Simpson says overall the action plan was a "positive document" and he welcomes the person-centred approach.

He explains his amendment today focused on unsuitable temporary accommodation and he calls for a seven-day limit on the time spent in such accommodation.

Mr Simpson argues that, on top of all the actions set out, "we need more houses".

If all need was to be met by the housing sector now, 52% of all lets in social housing would have to be made to homelessness households he explains.

Image source, SP

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell says the action plan translates the aspiration to end homelessness into tangible action.

This plan keeps Scotland at the global forefront of tackling homelessness, she claims.

The experience of homeless people helped to shape the plan and engagement with such communities will continue going forward, she tells the chamber.

The minister says the Scottish government will work with local government to put in place plans to support people, which will give those experiencing homelessness greater choice leading to more positive outcomes.

Resources will also be placed in the hands of front-line staff, she adds, including through the development of the Housing Options toolkit.

Clear pathways for those leaving care, prison or abusive relationship are to be created the minister confirms.

Ms Campbell says rapid rehousing sits at the heart of the action plan, particularly as settled housing is often the cornerstone of addressing other problems such as addiction or mental ill health.

Image source, Scottish government

Scotland could become a "world-leader in ending homelessness" under a new plan to end rough sleeping, charities have said.

The Scottish government says it will shift towards getting homeless people into long-term and settled accommodation as part of their Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan, external.

Described as a "historic opportunity to make a real difference", it aims to not only rehouse those on the streets quickly but to prioritise prevention of homelessness in the first place.

The plan was launched by Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell at visit to homelessness charity Cyrenians in Edinburgh. It includes all 70 recommendations made by the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group, external.

Image source, Thinkstock

The Scottish government is leading a debate on ending homelessness, following publication of its action plan , externalearlier this week.

Image source, SP

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Returning at 2:30pm, MSPs will take part in a debate on 'Ending Homelessness Together'.

Then from 3:30pm, we'll bring full coverage of the Brexit evidence session with UK Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington.

Government minister Ben Macpherson says the Scottish government is proud to support our winter festivals.

These festivals boost Scotland's international profile and affirms our values of fairness, inclusivity and empowerment says the minister.

We our encouraging people to celebrate our national day by looking outwards and celebrating kindness, he adds.

Mr Macpherson concludes: "Have a very happy St Andrew's Day."

Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton agrees small acts of kindness really can make somebody's day.

She suggests it is particularly important to help out elderly people, given they are more prone to social isolation.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin says we should encourage more businesses to take the day off so staff get more of a rest.

He links this to his party's proposal to add four extra holidays falling on the patron saints days across the UK.

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There's to be a combined effort at Holyrood to contest Brexit.

Four parties - the SNP, Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats - have agreed to table a single agreed motion for next week's debate on the Brexit deal at Holyrood.

They say the motion will also reject No Deal - and will point the way to options for alternative action.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur highlights the theme of this year's St Andrew's Day, 'Make Someone's Day'.

In an era of such darkening skies, simple acts of kindness, decency and humanity are essential he says.

It is the strength of communities that determine the health of the whole, Mr Arthur tells the chamber.

"This St Andrew's Day, let us recommit to the values that we choose and in doing so, make someone's day."