Update: Catalonia's readiness for statehood questioned as Spain makes it easier for companies to move base

Spain's government has approved a decree making it easier for companies to move their official base out of Catalonia.

Update 5.12pm Catalonia’s parliament will defy a Spanish court ban and go ahead with a debate that could lead to a declaration of independence, a regional government official said, as Spain’s worst political crisis in decades looked set to deepen.

Secessionist Catalan politicians have pledged to unilaterally declare independence at Monday’s session after staging an independence referendum last Sunday.