Image source, EU

Mr Ruskell asks if expert stakeholder groups will be established.

The UK government has said it wants to remain part of REACH explains Mr Gove.

REACH (EC 1907/2006), external aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances.

Stakeholders have raised concerns about plans to replace EU REACH with a UK REACH system in the case of ‘no-deal’ exit.

Issues raised include:

• access to data on chemicals safety held at EU level
• the challenge of replicating and transferring systems
• the capacity of the Health and Safety Executive to manage a UK REACH system
• concerns around the loss of EU level committees

Green MSP Mark Ruskell raises concerns that Brexit could lead to duplicate animal testing.

Are you prepared to rule out the requirement for increased testing, he asks.

Michael Gove says companies can ensure data from animal testing is provided to the UK which would stop the need for extra testing.

If there are any specific concerns I am happy to look at them, he adds.

Image source, bbc

Ms Martin pivots to environmental protections and she asks if they will be maintained.

Mr Gove says his department has been talking with the devolved administrations about this.

The UK environment secretary points out the best thing to do is give a fair hearing to all.

He says Brexit means powers will not just come back to Westminster, but also to Holyrood.

Image source, Getty Images

The focus will be on:

• Environmental risks associated with exit, especially in the light of a ‘nodeal’
• UK government's response to the Committee on Climate Change's targets
• New (or returning) powers and common frameworks
• Environmental principles and governance
• REACH and chemicals regulation
• EU support and replacement funding
• NASCO and regional fisheries organisations

Read more here., external

Convener Gillian Martin asks who will determine content of framework and will someone have a final decision-making power.

UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove says the frameworks will be arrived at through joint discussion.

We want an effective set of frameworks for the UK he says, adding the UK government is open to thoughts and suggestions from anyone about making institutions work better.

Ms Martin asks if the governments involved will be an equal say on the development of frameworks.

Mr Gove says all governments will have to agree.

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Gillian Martin gets us underway by welcoming Michael Gove via video-link.

Image source, PA

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee will shortly take evidence on Brexit from Michael Gove.

The UK environment, food and rural affairs secretary will give evidence via video-link.

The committee previously took evidence from the Secretary of State at its meeting on 27 June 2018, external and subsequently wrote, external to the secretary of state.

Read the committee papers here., external

Image source, bbc

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Tuesday 14 May 2019.

Michael Gove is before two committees this morning giving evidence on the impact of Brexit.

First up the rural economy committee will hear from the UK environment, food and rural affairs secretary and then it’s the turn of the environment committee.

Image source, PA

Portfolio questions is followed by two Lib Dem debates, the first on health the second almost certainly on P1 testing.

Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale will then mark Foster Care Fortnight 2019.