Welcome to bbc news. The spanish prime minister, mariano rajoy, is planning to strip regional leaders in catalonia of their powers following their controversial referendum on independence. Almost 500,000 people have been protesting against the new measures. The Catalan Leader says they are the worst attack on catalonia since the fascist regime of general franco. Tom burridge reports from barcelona. Angrier than ever before, catalans who want independence, digesting madrids unprecedented move. To temporarily scrap their devolved government. Theyjust want to crush us down. And weve got dignity. Weve got our dignity. We fought for it for years, were going to be catalans. We fought for it, like, 40, 50 years. Are we going to go back to that . I want to see the army here. Were going to see it at this rate. I dont want that. Im young and i dont have that much knowledge, but i have enough knowledge to know that that isnt normal, and it shouldnt be happening in our country. We are a developed
Value why they do because we believe ina value why they do because we believe in a democratic, peaceful europe. Our correspondent, tom burridge is in barcelona with this assessment. The Spanish Government and the catalan devolved government have been nudging each other for weeks, willing the other side to make the big move. Madrids done exactly that today. Now, its plan needs to be approved by the spanish senate. That could take days. In the meantime, the Catalan Leader could try and convene the Regional Parliament here to make a more emphatic unilateral declaration of independence. Now, in practice, that might not mean very much. You cantjust create a state overnight. So i think the most interesting thing will be how the spanish intervention here in catalonia plays out on the ground. Catalan Officials Say their bosses will keep going to work until they are physically prevented from doing so. Now, the Spanish Government argues that it wont actually be suspending Catalan Autonomy becaus
The british explorer ben saunders prepares to make the first solo, unsupported crossing of antarctica after his friend died making the same attempt last year. And england beat brazil in the world cup semi final its the under 17s and a hat trick from Rhian Brewster sends the favourites crashing out. The uks economy grew slightly more than predicted in the three months to september increasing the likelihood that the bank of england will increase Interest Rates next week. According to the initial assessment by the office for National Statistics the economy expanded by 0. 4 with strong performances in the services and manufacturing industries. The construction sector, however, continued to perform poorly. Our economics correspondent andy verity has the details. This Cardboard Box maker in leamington is in one segment of the economy that is now growing more quickly than it did ten years ago. Manufacturing. The orders have been coming in fast enough that it is hitting obstacles to further gr
Marshalling the moves in new york, the ground controller with the little bit of extra. Do get in touch with us. Welcome. Christian fraser is in london. Donald trump says he is any lovefest with republicans, which may seem odd after the last 2a hours. To republican senators have rounded on the government. One is stepping down because he feels he has a duty to stand up against mr trump. It came after his colleague said the president is dbase thing america. Today the senator said other republicans will speak out. Here is pa rt republicans will speak out. Here is part of what he said on the senate floor. Reckless, outrageous and undignified behaviour. This has become excused as telling it like it is. It is actuallyjust reckless, outrageous and undignified. When such behaviour emanates from the top of government, it is something else. It is dangerous to the democracy. So, to senators have now criticised the president. Just as noticeably, the president. Just as noticeably, the other 50 have
With the weather chris, parts of the uk are going to see Something Special tonight. Yes, uk are going to see Something Specialtonight. Yes, its uk are going to see Something Special tonight. Yes, its a decent night for spotting some of this. The Northern Lights, i will be telling you how they form and perhaps more importantly where the best places are for catching a glimpse of this dazzling astronomical display. Also coming up, dont try this at home. The british adventurerflying high ina home. The british adventurerflying high in a camping chair strapped to helium balloons. Hello, this is afternoon live. I am simon mccoy. The uks economy grew slightly more than predicted in the three months to september, increasing the likelihood that the bank of england will increase Interest Rates next week. According to the initial assessment by the office for National Statistics, the economy expanded by 0. 4 , with strong performances in the services and Manufacturing Industries. The construction s