Nicola Sturgeon says a second independence referendum should take place "within this parliamentary term"
The FM sets out an aim to have legislation on the statute books by the end of this year
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw says Scotland has had enough of constitutional politics
Labour and the Lib Dems also criticise the first minister, while the Greens urge Ms Sturgeon to "fire the starting gun" on indyref2
Image source, bbcAbove is the first minister's statement in pictures, with thanks to Andrew Cowan of the Scottish Parliament for the excellent pictures of Nicola Sturgeon.
Below are the opposition party leaders, deputy leaders and parliamentary co-leaders asking their questions!
Image source, BBC/Andrew CowanNicola Sturgeon has said she wants to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the EU.
But is there any appetite for another referendum on Scottish independence?
Newsnight brings together two young voters from opposite ends of the political spectrum, to see if they can convince each other to see things differently.
You can watch Newsnight on BBC Two weekdays at 22:30 or on iPlayer, subscribe to the programme on YouTube, externaland follow it on Twitter, external.
Nicola Sturgeon calls for indyref2 by 2021 Holyrood elections
Nicola Sturgeon has said she wants to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the EU.
The first minister told Holyrood that she would introduce legislation soon to set the rules for another vote.
But she will not yet ask the UK government for a Section 30 order, which underpinned the last independence referendum in 2014.
She also challenged her party to grow support and demand for independence.
The statement and questions have now concluded.
Image source, bbcSNP MSP Bob Doris welcomes an orderly and inclusive path to indyref2.
Mr Doris asks if the Citizen's Assembly can help get more people from deprived areas involved in democracy.
I think the Citizen's Assembly will help improve engagement, replies Ms Sturgeon.
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Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles points of his party's support for federalism across the UK, before suggesting Ms Sturgeon's call for cross-party work is undermined by her call for indyref2.
Ms Sturgeon quips back "where is the UK government that's going to deliver" a federal Britain.
She insists no UK government in history has shown interest in delivery this, but an independent Scotland would not have to rely on this.
Image source, bbcGreen MSP Ross Greer says Westminster has proven profoundly untrustworthy in Brexit negotiations and has attacked devolution.
Given that, how will the Scottish government ensure independence talks with the UK government are conducted reasonably, respectfully and without Scotland's interests being undermined.
Right now there are no assurances of that I am sad to say, replies Ms Sturgeon.
The first minister says: "We can talk until we're blue in the face but they don't listen."
That's why ultimately Scotland should be an independent country, she adds.
Labour MSP James Kelly insists: "People in Scotland don't want a second independence referendum."
He calls for action on poverty and low pay.
The first minister says Mr Kelly does not have the evidence for his claim, before insisting people are in poverty because of welfare cuts made by the UK government.
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Image source, bbcMaurice Golden asks if consensus is possible when Nicola Sturgeon's nationalist agenda is driven by grievance and division?
"I have to say there was a sense of grievance and division dripping from every consonant that came out of Maurice Golden's mouth there," retorts the first minister.
She adds that the Citizen's Assembly is something all parties should be enthusiastic about.
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SNP MSP Bruce Crawford says beginning the preparations for indyref2 is sensible given the ongoing lack of clarity around Brexit.
We are responding in a way that best protects the interests of Scotland by keeping the option of the public having the right to choose on the table, replies Ms Sturgeon.
Nicola Sturgeon has said she wants to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the EU.
The first minister told Holyrood that she would introduce legislation soon to set the rules for another vote.
But she will not yet ask the UK government for a Section 30 order, which underpinned the last independence referendum in 2014.
She also challenged her party to grow support and demand for independence.
Image source, bbcLabour MSP Neil Findlay
Labour MSP Neil Findlay points out not a single patient will be treated better, nor a single person pulled out of poverty, nor a single child receive an improved education as a result of this statement.
What is being sidelined from the programme for government to make room for Nicola Sturgeon's real priority of independence, asks Mr Findlay.
The first minister points out she'll be here tomorrow from 12pm to answer questions on any topic the opposition wishes to raise.
Ms Sturgeon insists the Scottish government must protect vital services from the impact of Brexit.
Tory MSP Adam Tomkins
Tory MSP Adam Tomkins asks how is plunging Scotland into more constitutional wrangling a sensible use of parliament time?
He says the parliament already "lost weeks" to the Scottish continuity bill.
Ms Sturgeon says the continuity bill was only ruled not within competence of the Scottish parliament because the UK government changed the law after the fact.
Scotland must have the opportunity to protect itself from the damage Brexit would cause, she adds.
Image source, bbcSNP MSP Keith Brown
SNP MSP Keith Brown asks if the first minister agrees that Scotland has bigger things to deal with than the arguments about Brexit at Westminster.
The first minister agrees saying, in terms of Brexit: "If the only option is to hit an iceberg then Scotland should be looking at getting on to a lifeboat."
She adds that if the Tories believe Scotland does not want independence then why are they so scared of asking the question.
The presiding officer asks for brief questions as there are 25 backbench questions to come.
"Is that a groan?" he asks, in response to noises from the chamber.
Ms Sturgeon says Mr Rennie thinks the people should have the chance to change their mind about Brexit, yet he is opposed to them changing their mind on independence.
“It’s not about the views of politicians; it’s about the views of the people.”
Image source, bbcScottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie begins by saying his thoughts are with the friends and family of Lyra McKee and also with those affected by the terrorist attacks "around the world".
Mr Rennie asks how can we take the first minister's proposals for consensus seriously.
He says the people of Scotland want the first minister to take the campaign for independence off the table.
Quote MessageThe last thing this country needs is more division and chaos that will surely come with another independence referendum."
Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
The first minister says the remit of the Citizens Assembly will be discussed with other parties, if they are willing.
It will start to look at and consider the big questions about the future of Scotland, she explains.
Politicians have a responsibility to come together to find a consensus, Ms Sturgeon says.