Catalonia held a controversial independence referendum earlier this month drawing the condemnation of leaders in Madrid and Brussels.

After a huge Yes victory during a polling day marred by police brutality, Catalonia initially signed a letter declaring independence before immediately suspending it.

Spain has since refused to entertain independence talks despite huge protests calling for peaceful discussion.

And today Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said the regional parliament could vote on a formal declaration of independence from Spain if the central government failed to hold talks.

He has ignored a deadline to drop Catalonia’s secession bid and instead accelerated moves for an independent state.

Mr Puigdemont said: “If the government continues to impede dialogue and continues with the repression, the Catalan parliament could proceed, if it is considered opportune, to vote on a formal declaration of independence.”

He mate the letter public shortly before the 10am deadline (9am BST) he had been given by Spain to retract his independence claim passed.

In response, Spain threatens to completely remove Catalonia’s power of autonomy.

Madrid said Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would trigger Article 155 of the constitution, suspending Catalonia’s autonomy.

A special cabinet meeting will be held on Saturday.