Spain’s state adviser has backed a veto of a watered-down Catalan “consultation” on independence, making it likely the government will try and have the so-called consultation of citizens blocked by the courts.

Spain’s Council of State unanimously decided the government should ask the Constitutional Court to declare the vote illegal, according to a spokeswoman for the consultative body said.

Mariano Rajoy, Spanish Prime Minister, said: “We have witnessed, well I don’t know what to call it, the intention to celebrate something akin to, I’m not sure if it even has a name, to a pseudo-consultation which has not been called for, as you all know, which does not fulfil any democratic conditions and everyone knows it does not fulfil them because it does not make any sense, is not supported legally, and is not backed by a body to oversee its neutrality.”

As Catalonia’s push for independence goes on, many pro-independence politicians say they will ignore any new ruling against the consultation.

“Let’s disobey,” suggested David Fernandez from the left wing pro-independence party CUP.

“The dilemma now is to obey or to disobey, and if we want to be respected as a community, as a society, we have no choice but to go to the polls,” continued Fernandez.

Tensions are simmering ahead of the consultation scheduled for November 9.

It’s not clear how Madrid would enforce a block if Catalan leaders decided to press ahead regardless.

Polls show around half of Catalans want more independence from Spain. A vast majority favour a vote on their future.