leader of the Spanish region of Catalonia is hours away from a deadline

     The leader of the Spanish region of Catalonia is just hours away from a deadline set by the central government to clarify whether or not he has declared independence.

    If he confirms that he has, he will have until Thursday to withdraw the declaration or Catalonia, which has substantial autonomy, faces the prospect of direct rule from Madrid.

   The deadline given to Carles Puigdemont is 8pm. Although it is not yet clear what he will say.