Spain state adviser backs move to block Catalonia independence vote

Catalan pro-independence demonstrators gather at Catalunya square during a rally in Barcelona October 19, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea

MADRID (Reuters) - The Spanish state adviser on Thursday backed a veto of a watered-down Catalan vote on independence planned for Nov. 9, making it likely the government will try and have the "consultation of citizens" blocked by the courts.

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