Catalonia to declare independence instantly if 'yes' vote wins referendum

Barcelona

CATALONIA will declare independence "immediately" if the region's voters opt to separate from Spain in a referendum, its ruling coalition said on Tuesday as it unveiled a bill aimed at ensuring the vote takes place despite Madrid's refusal.

"A decisive vote will be held on Oct 1; we will respect the vote," Catalonia's President Carles Puigdemont told a press conference.

Gabriela Serra, a member of the separatist coalition that governs Catalonia, said that if a ma…