UK ‘won’t recognise’ Catalan declaration of independence
●SNP government says it ‘respects’ Catalan position as Spain seizes control
Spain was plunged into political turmoil yesterday after the Catalan regional parliament declared independence at the same time as the Madrid government moved to impose direct rule.
The extraordinary territorial showdown marks the first time in four decades of democratic rule in Spain that the national government in Madrid will directly run the affairs of one of the country’s 17 semi-autonomous regions, a move that is expected to fan the flames of the Catalan revolt.
Last night the UK government said Britain would not recognise Catalonia’s declaration of independence.
But in a statement, the Scottish Government said that it “understands and respects” the position of the Catalan government.
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: “We understand and respect the position of the Catalan government. While Spain has the right to oppose independence, the people of Catalonia must have the ability to determine their own future.
“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.
“The imposition of direct rule cannot be the solution and should be of concern to democrats everywhere.”
Ms Hyslop called on the European Union, which has a “political and moral responsibility to support dialogue”, to identify how the situation can be resolved “peacefully and democratically”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted the statement, with the line: “We respect position...people of Catalonia must have ability to determine own future.”
Ms Sturgeon was joined on Twitter by a number of SNP supporters who voiced their support for Catalan independence.
Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP, wrote: “I stand with the elected Catalonian Parliament in its declaration of independence.” Former SNP MP and member of the Catalonian Defence Committee Scotland, George Kerevan, said: “Scotland is with you. Congratulations Catalonia. Scotland next.”
Journalist Lesley Riddoch, another member of the Catalonian Defence Committee, tweeted: “Catalan friends should know Scots have set up Catalan Defence to organise and support demos across Scotland.”
Edinburgh council rejected a suggestion from former SNP deputy council leader Steve Cardownie that it should fly the Catalan flag from the City Chambers as a gesture of solidarity.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s official spokesman said the Catalan declaration was based on a vote that 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,” the spokesman said in a statement.
For Labour, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said: “The way this dispute has been turned into a binary choice between independence and direct rule is not going to end this crisis, and it is not what the majority in Catalonia and Spain actually want. They want a sensible, political dialogue about finding a resolution and for that to be done in a fair and democratic way, in keeping with the rules and laws of the country.”
Yesterday’s events started with a vote in the Catalan parliament in Barcelona where politicians approved a motion to secede, with 70 in favour of independence, ten against and two blank ballots.
Inside politicians stood to sing the Catalan national anthem, while outside supporters of independence cheered the news and raised their glasses in celebration.
In Madrid, the Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, immediately called for calm and declared the “rule of law will restore legality to Catalonia”.
A majority of senators then gave Mr Rajoy the go-ahead to apply unprecedented constitutional measures, including firing Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet and curtailing Catalan parliamentary powers.
Mr Rajoy said the measures to take over Catalan affairs are aimed at restoring order and has promised to call a new regional election once that is achieved. He added that Spain was facing a challenge not seen in its recent history. “We never wanted to come to this point,” he said.
Madrid taking away Barcelona’s local powers is likely to be seen as a humiliation and a provocation to Catalans. A backlash is anticipated, with street protests planned for
“I am here today because we will start the Catalan Republic. Madrid is starting with total repression and there is no longer any [other] option”