Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Duncan and Ronnie Cowan

Tuesday 22nd January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Ronnie Cowan (Inverclyde) (SNP)]

4. What recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Catalonia.

[The Minister for Europe and the Americas (Sir Alan Duncan)]

As I have made clear to the House previously, the situation in Catalonia is a matter for Spain. The UK strongly supports the rule of law and is of the view that questions related to the issue of Catalan independence should be resolved within the proper constitutional and legal channels of Spain.

[Ronnie Cowan]

Carme Forcadell was the presiding officer in the Catalan Parliament—a position we would call “the Speaker”. Carme has been in prison without trial for over nine months because she facilitated a debate in a debating chamber. When she is tried, she faces over 16 years in prison. When will the UK Government condemn this outrage and stand up for the process of democracy?

[Sir Alan Duncan]

This is a matter for the Spanish courts. Every democracy has its own rules, laws and procedures. We fully support the proper implementation of the rule of law in Spain, and it is not for us to interfere in the way that the hon. Gentleman suggests.