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Episode details

World Service,23 Oct 2017,26 mins

Catalans 'Won't Follow Madrid's Orders'

World Business Report

Available for over a year

Madrid is preparing to take emergency measures to restore control in Catalonia. We find out what the government of Catalonia is likely to do in response. Meanwhile, two of Italy's richest regions, Lombardy and Veneto are seeking greater financial autonomy from Rome. Lorenzo Codogno of the London School of Economics' Europe Institute tells us what the impact of referendums held at the weekend in the regions is likely to be. Also in the programme, London's mayor Sadiq Khan has instituted a daily 'Toxicity Charge' for more polluting vehicles entering the city. We find out more from Simon Birkett of the campaign group Clean Air in London, and Matthew Jaffa of the Federation of Small Businesses tells us why the lobbying group does not welcome the move. Plus we hear about a Bollywood film adaptation that hopes to encourage more Indians to spend a night at the theatre. (Picture: Catalan protesters. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

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