A SCOTTISH MP has accused the UK Government of “burying its head in the sand” over the Spanish Government’s handling of the Catalan crisis.
The SNP’s Douglas Chapman, a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Catalonia, said a solution would only come through negotiations, and not violence.
He told The National: “It certainly seems like the UK Government are burying their heads in the sand in terms of any actions or influence they could have with the Spanish Government.
“They weren’t slow to try to ask Spain to unofficially intervene in our referendum and it’s hugely disappointing that they’re taking this attitude now.
“We’ve still not heard anything from the UK Government to say that the violence used on October 1, the day of the Catalan referendum, was completely inappropriate and not compatible with a democracy, or in the European tradition. Overall their approach has been very disappointing.
“I would hope the Scottish Government continue to make any representations they can in order to make sure we get to a situation where there’s discussion and talks as opposed to any more violence or this heavy-handed approach that Madrid seems to be determined to pursue.”
Chapman’s remarks came after the APPG chair – Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams – tabled an urgent question on Catalonia in the Commons.
He asked the Government to call on the parties in Catalonia to enter into talks and to offer their offices to enable progress. He said the matter was a political rather than a legal one, and getting both parties to talk was the way forward.
“In this situation, the UK Government have a responsibility and an opportunity,” said Williams.
“First, they must do all they can to ensure the safety and security of UK citizens living in Catalonia.
“Secondly, this is happening in our neighbourhood as we are a leading European power, and a member of the Council of Europe, the EU, Nato and the United Nations Security Council.
“Thirdly, uniquely, the UK Government have recent experience of an independence referendum carried out in Scotland, largely by agreement. We have some advice to offer. And, of course, the hard-won peace agreement in Northern Ireland rests partly on the opportunity there was for all to have their say in a referendum.”
Labour’s shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry called for an end to the “officially sanctioned violence” in Catalonia and urged the UK Government to promote peace.
However, Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan said: “I would remind the House that Spain is a close ally and good friend whose strength and unity matters.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel