The immunity of Carles Puigdemont, the former regional president of Catalonia, was lifted by 400 votes to 248, while those of Toni Comin and Clara Ponsati were removed by 404 votes to 247, the parliament said.

With the decision, national authorities in Belgium and Scotland will be able to consider extradition requests by Spain’s Supreme Court, though in the meantime they can to continue to perform their duties as MEPs.

The three MEPs have already announced that they will take the case to the EU’s highest court, the European Court of Justice.

Spain accuses Puigdemont and Comin of sedition and embezzlement, and Ponsati of sedition.

Their defence argues the cases are based on procedural flaws and lack evidence.

They claim political persecution is the motive.