Thousands rally in push for peace

Thousands of Catalans turned the streets of Barcelona white yesterday with balloons, flags and clothing to call for a peaceful settlement to the independence crisis.

Meanwhile, in Madrid a massive demonstration in support of Spain turned the city into a sea of yellow and red flags.

Both sides attempted to calm tensions ahead of Tuesday’s expected unilateral declaration of independence by the Catalan government.

Business minister Santi Vila yesterday called for a “ceasefire” with Spain.

Meanwhile, the Spanish government apologised for police violence and suggested that new elections in Catalonia might be a way to heal the rift.