No pasaran: Thornberry doesn’t back Catalan poll

It is a cause that a left-wing Labour leadership might be expected to support, given Catalonia’s history as a socialist bastion against fascism in the Spanish Civil War.

But Jeremy Corbyn’s foreign affairs spokeswoman has not offered solidarity to campaigners fighting to stage a referendum on Catalan independence.

Emily Thornberry backed the Spanish government in the row over next Sunday’s referendum, which has seen Labour MSPS voice dismay at the arrest of Catalan government officials over what Spain calls an illegal poll. “What’s going on in Catalonia is alarming. People do need to do things within the law, and under the Spanish constitution it’s very difficult for Catalonia to have a referendum in these circumstances.

“I think that’s important that things are done within the law. There was a time when Venice were going to have a referendum on independence, and they were told no.”

Ms Thornberry warned of the precedent for separatist across Europe, adding: “We have to be very careful about challenging the integrity of the state.” She called for talks to reach agreement within the law.