Catalan MPs forced to take chopper to work

In Barcelona attacks by protesters on Catalan MPs trying to reach parliament have resulted in senior politicians using police helicopters to get to work.

The demonstrators are part of the “indignado” or indignant movement that has spread across Spain in recent weeks. They are protesting against youth unemployment, low salaries and austerity measures.

One woman outside the Catalan parliament said “I think is important to be here protesting against the cut on spending because to cut social spending using the excuse of the crisis is a big farce.”

A heavy police presence has so far prevented any serious incidents and most MPs have managed to get into parliament on foot, albeit suffering a hail of abuse.

But senior cabinet members, including the president of Catalonia and the leader of the parliament, are arriving by air.

In some parts of Spain, including the capital Madrid, the camps of the ‘indignados’ have been dismantled, but for the time being at least, protesters in Barcelona are staying put.

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