Scottish politicians call for dialogue

Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday the Spanish government cannot ignore the “very significant expression of support for independence” demonstrated by Catalonia’s unofficial referendum.

She stopped short of suggesting an agreement on another ballot, but said “in any democracy there has to be surely a legal way for people to express their view”.

Labour politicians also denounced the violence. The former party leader Kezia Dugdale was among those condemning Spain in the strongest terms, tweeting: “Using batons and rubber bullets to deny people ballot papers is brutal and the opposite of a healthy, democratic process.”

Deputy Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw tweeted: “Spanish government & authorities have taken leave of their senses – actions today shameful & totally counter productive.”