Mr Russell says the Scottish government has sought to engage with the UK government on the process of Brexit for the last three years.

The UK needs to reciprocate, he argues.

"So how do we make progress?" He calls for the next stage of negotiations with the EU - due to start in a few weeks - not to continue as business as usual and he confirms he will continue to press for involvement in them.

We must continue to have the right to argue against the UK government's decision to end the transition period at the end of the year regardless of negotiations, he adds.

Mr Russell says the best options for Scotland is to be an independent country within the EU.

But until then we will seek to ensure none of Scotland's interests are negatively impacted by Brexit, he adds.

"We will leave a light on here to guide us back to our European home."

The Scottish Brexit secretary reiterates his view that the UK government has ignored the Scottish government's views and those of the people of Scotland throughout the Brexit process.

The minister says three weeks ago he acknowledged at the JMCEN meeting openly, but with regret, the electoral mandate the UK government has for Brexit.

However regrettably the UK government has refused to reciprocate and won't recognise the SNP's mandate to give Scotland a right to choose, he elucidates.

"Without mutual recognition of mandates there will be no trust, but with mutual recognition of mandates we can move forward."

Mr Russell warns about the danger of no deal emerging after the transition period and all the hardship that will entail.

He says he continues to attend increasingly difficult JMCEN meetings, but the actions of UK ministers have not matched the commitments they have made.

The Brexit secretary says Scotland is being left in the dark about the way the UK government is shaping its own approach.

Image source, bbc

The Welsh Assembly joined the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly in rejecting the Brexit bill.

It means all of the UK's devolved law-making bodies have voted against the withdrawal agreement legislation.

Nevertheless Boris Johnson's Brexit Bill completed its passage through the UK parliament last week and has since received Royal Assent.

• EU flag to be taken down at Holyrood after Brexit
• Brexit 'to have negative impact' on most vulnerable in Scotland

• What trade deals has the UK done so far?
• Could the UK and EU sort a trade deal in months?

Brexit Secretary Mike Russell says despite the unambiguous message of the Scottish electorate, the UK and Scotland will be leaving the EU tomorrow.

That means the UK will become a third country as far as the EU is concerned, he says.

We will feel the full impact of what will be the most damaging change to our constitution when the transition period ends, the minister tells the chamber.

Members of the European Parliament have overwhelmingly backed the terms of the UK's departure from the EU.

MEPs ratified the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement by 621 votes to 49 following an emotional debate in Brussels.

After the vote, MEPs marked the UK's exit by singing Auld Lang Syne.

Several British MEPs said they hoped the UK would return one day although Eurosceptics, including the Brexit Party's Nigel Farage, used their final speeches to tear into the EU.

The UK is due to leave the bloc at 23:00 GMT on Friday.

Ratification of the withdrawal agreement, agreed by the UK and EU in October, was not in doubt after it easily cleared its committee stage last week.

• As it happened: An emotional send-off for Britain
• New Scottish MEP sworn in - for four days
• Tears and relief as the UK's MEPs bid goodbye
• Mavericks to mainstream: The long campaign for Brexit

Image source, PA Media

With a day to go before the UK leaves the European Union, Brexit Secretary Mike Russell will now make a statement.

The Brexit Bill was given Royal Assent last week, despite the Scottish Parliament and the assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland all rejecting it.

The UK will enter into a transition period that is scheduled to end on 31 December 2020.

Image source, bbc/PA/Getty Images

Read the full list of questions here., external

Image source, PA Media

Here's the afternoon in the chamber...

2.00 pm: Portfolio Questions: Social Security and Older People

2.20-2.50 pm: With a day to go before the UK leaves the European Union, Brexit Secretary Mike Russell will make a statement

2.50-5.00 pm: Scottish Government Debate: Drugs and Alcohol – Preventing and Reducing Harms

SNP MSP Keith Brown has a debate condemning the recent UK treasury announcement of an 1% increase in the rate of borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB).

The PWLB lends money to local authorities for community infrastructure projects and Mr Brown is concerned about the impact of the increase on council projects.

Ms Sturgeon says there is widespread recognition that some people who gamble experience harm.

The first minister adds that the government has discussed the issue with football authorities, including the SFA, to see what can be done, but reminds the chamber that gambling is a reserved matter.

Ms Lennon asks if the first minister agrees that Hamilton Academicals head coach Brian Rice has shown great courage in speaking out and that addiction is an illness and that players and staff need support.

Ms Sturgeon agrees that Brian Rice has shown great courage and she hopes he gets the support he needs.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon asks about action to work with football authorities and clubs to reduce problem gambling.

By Chris McLaughlin, BBC Scotland sports news correspondent

Scottish footballers "in pretty much every dressing room" bet on matches, despite the risk of punishment, says one SPFL player.

Hamilton Academical head coach Brian Rice faces Scottish FA charges after a relapse in his gambling addiction.

Players in Scotland are not allowed to gamble on any match in any country, but some even bet on themselves to get booked, says the anonymous player.

"In pretty much every dressing room there'll be players betting," he said.

Read more.

The first minister says prison officer sickness absence fell by 3.3% in 2019.

The Scottish Prison Service provides a range of services and interventions to staff who need them, she adds.

Mr Kerr says 14,000 officer days were lost to stress-related absence, which is an increase.

Ms Sturgeon points to investments in modernising the prison estate and efforts to reduce the prison population.

Staff will see an increase in pay, she adds.

Tory MSP Liam Kerr asks about reports that Scottish Prison Service officers average three weeks’ sickness leave per year.

According to The Times..., external

"Concerns are growing for the welfare of Scotland’s prison officers, after new statistics revealed the extent of sickness-related absence at institutions across the country.

"The figures reveal that at Barlinnie, Scotland’s largest prison, ill officers took off an average of more than three weeks (22.8 days) in 2018-19.

"Polmont young offenders institution saw the highest rate, with an average of 23.1 across the year."