Labour MSP Neil Bibby raises the disagreement between the Electoral Commission and ministers about testing an indyref2 question.

"I'm not against testing questions," replies Mr Russell, before adding: "What I'm against is retesting in circumstances that do not require it."

He highlights the question used in 2014 - "Should Scotland be an independent country?" - has been used in a majority of opinion polls since.

The Electoral Commission has already set out its view on the intelligibility of that question and indeed recommended this question, he explains.

The cabinet secretary says he sees no reason why secondary legislation cannot be used to set referendum campaign periods.

But he says if the parliament disagrees, he is open to discussions.

Mr Tomkins asks about empowering ministers to change the bill through secondary legislation, Mr Russell says he is happy to explore a "lock" on this mechanism to alleviate any concerns that ministers will try to amend it "by the back door".

Image source, bbc

Mr Russell says the Scottish government has a mandate for indyref2 and a Section 30 order, but the Referendums Bill is not solely for that purpose.

The Brexit secretary accepts there is strong opinion there should be different kinds of scrutiny than currently in the bill.

Mr Tomkins asks if indyref2 should require bespoke primary legislation

Mr Russell accepts there is an argument to be made to have primary legislation for a Section 30 order.

"I am absolutely open to that as an amendment in the bill."

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The question, date and campaign period for a future independence referendum would be set by ministers through secondary legislation if the Referendums (Scotland) Bill passes in its current form.

However, academics have warned this is a "retrograde step" and would be an "extraordinary power to confer to ministers".

Dr Alan Renwick from the Constitution Unit at University College London told the constitution committee that any referendum should be subject to the highest scrutiny in advance of it being called.

He expressed concern that secondary legislation tends to undergo less scrutiny than primary legislation, while also noting secondary legislation is not amendable.

Mr Russell says it may make sense to ensure some topics require primary legislation before a referendum can be held, for example ones on abortion or on assisted dying.

We do not want to evade scrutiny but we must ensure there is the appropriate level of scrutiny for different types of referendum, he adds.

Tory MSP Adam Tomkins welcomes the tone of Mr Russell's opening remarks and asks about it being announced alongside a statement in independence.

The cabinet secretary explains the bill would be used at the framework for an independence referendum, but it is also available to create other referendum too.

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Committee convener Bruce Crawford says there have been serious issues raised about ministerial powers going forward and the Electoral Commission's role.

Mr Russell stresses he is listening to the concerns that have been brought and cites his appearance before the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee.

"I am open to discussion and am listening."

He says he looks forward to improving the bill at Stage 2 and 3.

Image source, bbc

Last week the Electoral Commission reiterated its view that any indyref2 question must be tested again.

"We strongly believe the Commission should be asked to test the question," said Dame Sue Bruce.

This will ensure it is clear, transparent and neutral she insisted.

Her colleague on the Electoral Commission, Andy O'Neill, agreed saying testing the question was important regardless of it being test five, six or even a hundred years ago.

Read more here.

Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell says the Referendums Bill has been broadly welcomed by academics, though he accepts not all parts of the bill are supported.

My overarching aim is to ensure the bill works for voters and administrators, he adds.

Mr Russell says he is open to alternative approaches to all aspects of the bill to better facilitate its aims.

Image source, bbc

The Electoral Commission has previously said it would want to assess the wording of the question for a new Scottish independence vote even if it was the same one used in 2014.

A Scottish government official suggested this would be unnecessary as the question is already "tested".

Changing the wording of the question voters would be asked if there was a second Scottish independence referendum would be "very confusing", according to Mike Russell.

The constitution secretary has said there was a "clarity and consistency" to be gained from having the same wording as in the 2014 ballot, when people were asked: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

He told MSPs, two weeks agao, that because this question was "still current" there was no need for the Electoral Commission to test it if there is another referendum in 2020 .

Read more.

Image source, Thinkkstock

MSPs will shortly begin taking evidence from Constitution Secretary Mike Russell on the Referendums (Scotland) Bill, external.

• Read the Finance and Constitution Committee papers here, external
• And more about the bill here, external

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to Holyrood Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 25 September 2019.

Scotland is expected to agree to more ambitious climate change targets, after MSPs debate the Climate Change Bill for the final time.

The bill seeks to set a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.

Image source, Reuters

Here's today's Holyrood highlights:

• 10 am: Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell will come under pressure over indyref 2 question scrutiny, or lack of therein, as the Constitution Committee continues its scrutiny of the Referendums Bill
• 2.40-5.00 pm: Stage 3 Proceedings: Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) (Bill)– does the 2045 target go far enough? Are the interim targets strong enough?
• Decision time - MSPs are expected to pass the Climate Change Bill