Ms McAlpine asks about the relationship with the UK government.

Mr Russell says the experience of the last few years has left him cynical.

There are constant assertions from the UK government that things will change, he says.

And there seems to be a lack of knowledge and understanding of how devolution works in most UK departments, Mr Russell suggests.

Ms McAlpine asks about economic modelling on a differentiated deal.

The Brexit secretary says the government has done some modelling though suggests there is scope to do more on the Northern Ireland situation.

Image source, Getty Images

Prime Minister Theresa May has urged the first ministers of Scotland and Wales to back her Brexit deal.

At a Downing Street summit, the leaders of the devolved administrations discussed the UK's impending exit from the European Union.

Mrs May said her plan "delivers for the whole of the UK", urging others to "pull together" behind it.

But Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said MPs should study other plans, such as a new Brexit referendum.

Following the meeting, Ms Sturgeon said SNP MPs would not be voting for Mrs May's deal, and called on the prime minister to extend the current Brexit deadline of 29 March.

Read more.

Committee convener Joan McAlpine asks for the cabinet secretary for his view of the political declaration.

Mr Russell says it is "very vague and very aspirational" and says the prime minister's agreement does not provide certainty in any sense.

"There is no certainty out of this."

What we've been through so far is meant to be the easy part and there is no certainty of an outcome, he says.

Brexit Secretary Mike Russell highlights we are less than 100 days from leaving the EU and says we still lack clarity.

He says the preferred outcome is to have a referendum to "pass judgement on the chaos of the last two and a half years".

Image source, bbc

We get underway, with Brexit Secretary Mike Russell telling the committee he is stuffed up with the cold and deaf in one year as a result of his meetings in London yesterday.

Image source, Getty/PA

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee will begin the day, taking evidence from Brexit Secretary Mike Russell on EU exit negotiations.

Read the committee papers here., external

Then Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop will discuss the Census (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.

Image source, BBC/PA

Welcome to Holyrood Live on Thursday 20 December 2018, the final sitting day of the year.

The Europe committee takes evidence from Brexit Secretary Mike Russell on article 50 withdrawal negotiations first.

After general questions, we'll provide extensive coverage of FMQs.

Then MSPs are in for an early bath as parliament wraps up for Christmas.