SNP respects Catalan position, says Hyslop

The Scottish Government said it understands and respects the position of the Catalan government after the regional parliament voted to establish an independent republic from Spain.

While the UK Government said it will not recognise the declaration of independence, Scotland’s external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop said the people of Catalonia “must have the ability to determine their own future”.

Ms Hyslop said Spain has the right to oppose independence but that yesterday’s vote “came about only after repeated calls for dialogue were refused”.

Shortly after the Catalan vote, the Spanish Senate in Madrid authorised the central government to take control of the region through unprecedented constitutional measures.

Both sides have been clashing since a disputed referendum on independence at the start of October.

Ms Hyslop said: “Now, more than ever, the priority of all those who consider themselves friends and allies of Spain should be to encourage a process of dialogue to find a way forward that respects democracy and the rule of law.”

Prime Minister Theresa May’s official spokesman said the declaration was based on a vote which had been declared illegal and that the UK wanted to see the unity of Spain preserved.

“The UK does not and will not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence made by the Catalan regional parliament,” he said.

Catalans rally for independence in Barcelona.