CATALAN president Quim Torra has said he is ready to support Nicola Sturgeon should she need Catalonia’s backing for a second independence referendum.

He said he shared the First Minister’s determination to gain independence for Scotland and welcomed her moves towards it.

Earlier today, Sturgeon set out the next steps in the pursuit of a second independence referendum, vowing to hold one by the end of the parliamentary term should the UK leave the EU.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon fires the starting gun on indyref2 before 2021

“I support it absolutely,” Torra told journalists in Barcelona. “I had the opportunity to meet her in a very frank and sincere meeting and I appreciate the efforts and determination of Ms Sturgeon in the view we share of our countries’ independence.

“All my solidarity to the position she’s going to take and if she needs support from Catalonia she knows she has it.”

Spain goes to the polls on Sunday and Torra said polling data had shown strong support – up to 80% – of people who supported an agreed and binding referendum on Catalan self-determination.

And he had praise in other world democracies, including the UK.

“I don’t know why we have to accept anything other than a majority that is acceptable in other countries, like the United Kingdom, where they accept if Scotland wants to be independent let’s hold a referendum and accept the result.

“If Yes win with a majority of more than 50% you start a process that will end in independence.

“Why is this possible in Scotland and not in Catalonia? We are part of the same Europe, we share the same values – democracy, freedom of expression … freedom of protest.

“All these rights are under threat just because you voted in the referendum here.”