A matter for local people

Sir, - It was immensely welcome to witness the statement from the Scottish Government, reinforcing the right of the Catalan people to determine their own future.

The right of selfdetermination of peoples is outlined in the UN Charter, and yet despite this the Spanish Government is doing all that it can to prevent the region’s government from holding a referendum on independence from Spain on October 1.

The decision over Catalonia’s future direction is a matter for the people who live there and of course the Catalan and Spanish governments are perfectly entitled to take positions for and against independence.

It is essential that democracy and civil rights are respected in all countries.

Despite this, there is a growing clampdown by the Spanish state on the holding of such a ballot, most recently with the threatened arrest of 700 mayors for agreeing to facilitate the required vote.

What we are witnessing here is a full frontal assault on democracy, not in South America or Africa, but here in the very heart of Europe, actions which should provoke international outrage.

Should the Spanish Government succeed in preventing the Catalans holding their own referendum this will only serve to strengthen the hand of Theresa May and hard-line Unionists who would seek to prevent Scotland having a second independence referendum.

However, should the Catalans prove successful in holding this vote, in facing down the Spanish Government and securing a Yes vote, the impact on Scotland could prove to be monumental. Alex Orr. 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.

The right of selfdetermination of peoples is outlined in the UN Charter, and yet despite this the Spanish Government is doing all that it can to prevent the region’s government from holding a referendum on independence from Spain on October 1