The Scottish Government is looking to secure cross-party opposition to a no-deal Brexit when MSPs return from the summer recess.

Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats have indicated support for a planned debate in the first week of the new Scottish Parliament session, which begins next week.

The motion is expected to say "That the Scottish Parliament agrees that the UK should in no circumstances leave the EU on a no-deal basis".

Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell said: "When the new session starts we will be less than two months away from a catastrophic no-deal which the UK Government appears now to be actively pursuing.

"It is essential that the Scottish Parliament has the opportunity to have its say while there is still time to stop this disaster from happening."

Mr Russell said the debate could prove a defining moment for the Scottish Conservatives.

He said: "Their leader in the Scottish Parliament says she is opposed to a no-deal Brexit. This is an opportunity to make that opposition crystal clear and unambiguous.

"Crashing out of the EU without a deal is in no one's interest and I hope the Parliament can come together and unanimously agree that a no-deal Brexit should be ruled out in all circumstances."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "This parliamentary debate is an opportunity for all parties to come together and urge the Prime Minister to change course.

"I hope that will include Ruth Davidson, who once warned of the damage Brexit would do to our economy and way of life.

"Liberal Democrats will work with other opposition parties to prevent the looming national crisis, not just to prevent a no-deal Brexit but to stop Brexit altogether."

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie confirmed his party will back the motion in order to send a clear signal to the Prime Minister "that pursuing a reckless exit from the EU is not acceptable".

He said: "The pressure is now on Ruth Davidson's party at Holyrood - will they join the rest of us in joining a rational majority to block Boris Johnson's disastrous agenda?"