Catalonia

[PurpleGorilla]

Getting exciting!

[Big Blue Plymouth]

The powers that be really, really don't want that to happen.

Fingers crossed :-)

[Mordac]

The powers that be really, really don't want that to happen.

Fingers crossed :-)

I bet they don't. Unlike with Brexit, they won't know who to screw over. Still, Juncker's wine merchant could be in for a bumper few months...

[NotAllThere]

If Catalonia were to somehow attain independence (which is no certainty as the the referendum has no legal standing - it's not even advisory), it would certainly be screwed over as it would be immediately out of the EU, at least demonstrating what a hard Brexit would be like. The powers that be might like that. Spain would be screwed over anyway, having lost a fairly major part of their economy.

[PurpleGorilla]

Catalonia

If Catalonia were to somehow attain independence (which is no certainty as the the referendum has no legal standing - it's not even advisory), it would certainly be screwed over as it would be immediately out of the EU, at least demonstrating what a hard Brexit would be like. The powers that be might like that. Spain would be screwed over anyway, having lost a fairly major part of their economy.

An independent free and sovereign Catalonia is welcome to free trade with the UK.

[original PM]

It's funny how some people think democracy is about choosing between things someone else has defined

[PurpleGorilla]

If Catalonia were to somehow attain independence (which is no certainty as the the referendum has no legal standing - it's not even advisory), it would certainly be screwed over as it would be immediately out of the EU, at least demonstrating what a hard Brexit would be like. The powers that be might like that. Spain would be screwed over anyway, having lost a fairly major part of their economy.

[xoggoth]

Appalling repression by the Spanish police. Why should Catalans not be allowed to express their desires?

I am all for positive nationalism with people of common cultures being able to follow their own direction. An independent Catalonia, a Kurdish nation, Scotland, Corsica - good luck to them, as long as a) They don't expect the rest of us to prop them up and b) They don't discriminate against those of different backgrounds who live in the regions.

[xoggoth]

Definitely going off the Spanish, Gibraltar, appalling brutality to animals and now this.

Going on holiday there in a few weeks. Or perhaps not, flights are booked with Monarch Airlines. Sod!

[scooterscot]

The Spanish response will only further drive the want for independence.

Catalonia, like Scotland, is a small rich state. The powers that be will do anything to hold on to them. Even if that means lying through their teeth.