Spanish state’s actions unacceptable

Over the past few months, many of us have been disturbed by the unacceptable and draconian actions of the Spanish state to crack down on democracy and human rights in Catalonia.

The repressive actions of the Spanish state saw them attack voters in October, as they took part in a peaceful vote on whether or not Catalonia should become independent.

Since that vote, Spain has continued to act in a despicable and undemocratic manner, imprisoning the politicians who attempted to carry out their democratic mandate to allow the Catalans to decide their own constitutional future.

The Spanish State’s actions escalated this weekend when they started the proceedings to imprison the former Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont and other Catalan leaders, including St Andrew’s University lecturer, Professor Clara Ponsati.

I am ashamed of the UK Government’s approach to this situation and in Parliament on Tuesday, I asked the Foreign Office to rethink and ask Spain to draw back from its course of action.

Sadly, the minister said he fully supported the Spanish constitution and would not ask Spain to alter course.

The minister should be aware that the Spanish constitution claims sovereignty over Gibraltar so he may want to rethink that unqualified support.

Imprisoning politicians for carrying out their mandate is not the way forward. Spain must find a way forward that can suit all parties.