Catalan independence: Thousands to rally in Barcelona

BBC News

Nearly half a million Catalans have registered to take part in a street rally in Barcelona later to show support for independence from Spain.

A separatist coalition of parties is leading the polls ahead of Catalonia's regional elections this month.

The Together For Yes campaign says if it wins a majority in the regional assembly it will push through plans for an independent Catalan state.

The Spanish government has promised to block any move to break away.

Madrid said an unofficial Catalan referendum last November was invalid.

The poll saw 80% of voters back independence but turnout was 40%.

The Together for Yes group kicked off its campaign late on Thursday night ahead of the mass rally on Friday.

Image copyrightAP

Image captionA man applauds with a pro-independence Catalan flag known as the Estelada as separatists kick off campaigning in Barcelona

The coalition comprises political groups from both the left and right, who have come together in the face of continued Madrid government opposition to a referendum.

The rally is taking place on La Diada, when Catalans celebrate their national day.

The Spanish government says it will block any unilateral declaration of independence, reports the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona.

Such a move would be unprecedented in the history of the European Union, our correspondent adds.