this is bbc news, i'm kasia madera. our top stories: si, si, si. spain imposes direct rule on catalonia hours after its politicians vote for independence. the prime minister mariano rajoy sacks the catalan leader, his cabinet and chief of police, vowing to restore the rule of law. translation: this independence is very sad. it causes anguish. that is what all catalans who are not for independence felt today. but catalan separatists are defiant, saying the independence vote means they no longer fall under spanishjurisdiction. also in the programme: after hurricane harvey, can baseball help get houston back on its feet by winning the world series? it would be unbelievable for this city if they would wind the world

series, which they are. its back on oui’ series, which they are. its back on our home field now so we got it! hello and welcome to bbc world news. spain is in a state of constitutional turmoil, with the country's prime minister mariano rajoy announcing that he's dissolving catalonia's parliament and calling snap regional elections. it follows a vote by the catalan parliament to declare independence from spain. mr rajoy said the unprecedented imposition of direct rule was essential to restore normality. he's also sacked catalonia's separatist leader carles puigdemont and his cabinet. crowds remained in central barcelona late into the night in a defiant show of support for independence. but the situation has caused alarm elsewhere in europe. our first report is from our europe editor katya adler who's in barcelona. all: si, si, si.

one by one the yes votes were counted, celebrated, relished by this delirious pro—independence crowd. as they watched the catalan parliament finally after weeks, some here say years, of waiting, vote on separation from spain. do you believe it will happen today? yes. it has to be today. and today it was. all around here catala ns are singing their national anthem, the national anthem they now believe belongs to their independent republic, separate from the spanish state.

there are so many questions. what will the spanish government do? but for now, this crowd just wants to celebrate. it's a long time we are waiting for this moment, we deserve this. lam crying! are you happy? very, very. but anxiety soon spread amongst all the euphoria as the "what next" began to weigh heavily on people's minds. a catalan republic had been declared, but not in everyone's name. many here don't want independence. just around the corner we found this man waving a spanish flag. translation: i'm not happy, i'm not represented, the catalan people as a whole didn't vote. it's disastrous, the result of an extended manipulation which does not reflect the will of the catalan people. but nothing today was going to stop the catalan president savouring his moment in history.

from the catalan parliament he spoke of his emotions, but also of his conviction that declaring catalan independence was the right thing to do, the legitimate thing to do, he said. hardly the view of the spanish government in madrid, which is fuming. the public prosecutor here says he'll be filing charges of rebellion against the catalan president. at the very same time the catalan parliament voted on independence today, the spanish senate gave the green light to mariano rajoy‘s government to sack the catalan leadership and bring the reins of power back to madrid. this is the first time in modern spanish history that one of the country's autonomous regions has had its power is stripped away. tonight, after an emergency cabinet meeting, the spanish prime minister explained why.

translation: normality starts with law. in order to return institutional legitimacy and to give a voice to all catalans, i have now dissolved the catalan parliament in order to hold regional elections on the 21st of december. but what mr rajoy didn't explain was how he intends to impose direct madrid rule on the hundreds of thousands of catalans who reject it. tonight, independence supporters in barcelona are celebrating with abandon their brand—new republic with no power and little recognition, dancing on the edge of a precipice. katya adler, bbc news, barcelona. the decision by the catalan parliament to declare independence has been condemned by leaders across europe, with the european commission presidentjean—claude juncker saying it's important to avoid any splits in the eu bloc. catalonia has long had a fractious relationship with madrid,

but things have been brought to a head by the disputed independence referendum in the region earlier this month. sarah rainsford reports from madrid. support for a tough stance against catalan independence. many spaniards, like their government, see the move to break away as illegal. so they've begun flying the national flag here to show they're backing for a united country and for madrid's moved to take control in catalonia. matividad told me the separatists should be in prison for their move. this man still hoped the crisis could be sorted so catalonia stays with spain. his friends are from all over the country. but catalan separatism has deep roots. the region's push for autonomy was a key trigger for the civil war and general franco's

repression was brutal. granting autonomy was part of spain's return to democracy. now, at least temporarily, madrid is imposing control. after securing support from the senate, spain's government moved quickly into a crisis meeting to decide its next steps. imposing direct rule over catalonia is an unprecedented move and one with unseen consequences, but at this point there seems to be little mood here in madrid for compromise. tonight the government set out its plan. the catalan parliament will be dissolved with new elections on the 21st of december. catalan ministries that employ more than 28,000 people will be run from madrid. the chief of police has been fired with 17,000 members of his police force now overseen by the spanish state. for now, madrid has international backing. the president of the european commission said spain had made its choice and

the eu won't interfere. but on paper, the government's plan is one thing, implementing it in this climate is fraught with risk. there will be more tension and confrontation in the coming days and weeks. it's not a question of will. at a certain point there will be an incident and that could trigger a serious confrontation and nobody knows what will happen. despite this apparent calm, how the government handles its next move will be critical. sarah rainsford, bbc news, madrid. i discussed the day's developments with edgar illas, director of catalan studies at indiana university, and asked him how he thought spain would go about imposing direct rule. i think it's impossible to impose direct rule unless you have either force, use of force, or the complicity of the people, in other words in order to have power you

need to have a obedience and i don't see anyway that these more than 2 million catalans who are secessionists, who are recognising the new republic, will face spanish rule. of course, madrid was criticised after the violence that was seen criticised after the violence that was seen at the beginning of the month. it will not want to repeat that so what do you think are its options, realistically what can it do? i think the only option madrid really has is no country recognises the new catalans state. the catalans, will they see that catalonia is not recognised as a legitimate country? that's the only hope. the rest is honestly... by the way, i don't think this will happen, i think what will happen is

countries little by little will start to recognise catalonia for many reasons because they will have economic interests in catalonia because some of them don't have good relationships with spain or other reasons, or because they want to create a counter power in europe against the major countries. so who knows? my prediction is that this little by little some countries will recognise catalonia. we've already heard jean—claude juncker saying it's important to avoid any splits in the eu block, this is exactly what the european union doesn't want. that's right, in the european union there is still the feeling that any split or territorial conflict may bring back the ghosts of warand conflict may bring back the ghosts of war and the european union, the central idea of the european union is that this entity will pacify the

continent. but at the same time, once you have a collective that demands something that cannot be satisfied within the current constitutional order, at some point... and especially when you realise it won't be a catastrophic event, in other words there would be a civil war. catalan separatism has been consistently peaceful, it's been consistently peaceful, it's been a movement of civil disobedience, there's been no insta nces disobedience, there's been no instances of violence. then little by little they all realise that maybe it won't be the end of europe and we will be able to one business as europe. but it's not a unanimous collective, there are still those that still want this to happen, what happens to them? -- don't want this to happen. exactly. it is painful. if you are in catalonia and you

don't want independence, well, it's like in any democratic situation, when the other team winds, or even in any sports event. it's painful but we have to mag competing claims for sovereignty. professor illas. we have lots more on our website. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news. the election authorities in kenya have postponed indefinitely voting from the re—run presidential poll, which had been due to take place in four volatile western counties on saturday. officials said the safety threat to electoral workers was too great, and the vote will instead be held on a later day. an italian man who is hiv positive has been sentenced to 2a years in prison for intentionally infecting 30 women through unprotected sex. 33—year—old valentino talluto seduced young women he met through internet dating sites for ten years. investigators say that the male companions of three of the women also became infected

as well as the baby of a fourth woman. the us defence secretary, jim mattis, has visited the demilitarised zone between north and south korea and said that the us is still seeking a diplomatic solution to ease military tension on the peninsula. general mattis, who is visiting south korea, criticised pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons. the north has carried out a series of weapons tests in recent months. stay with us on bbc world news, still to come: we meet the model with downs syndrome challenging perceptions of beauty on the catwalk. indira gandhi, ruler of the world's largest democracy, died today. 0nly yesterday she'd spoken of dying in the service of her country and said, "i would be proud of it, every drop of my blood will contribute to the

growth of this nation". after 46 years of unhappiness, these two countries have concluded a chapter of history. no more suspicion, no more fear, no more uncertainty of what each day might bring. booster ignition and liftoff of discovery, with a crew of six astronaut heroes and one american legend. well, enjoying the show is right — this is beautiful. a milestone in human history. born today, this girl in india is the 7 billionth person on the planet. a milestone in human history. born today, this girl in india is the 7 billionth person on the planet. this is bbc news. the latest headlines. after catalonia declares independence, spain's prime minister announces tough new measures

including sacking the catalan leader, his cabinet and chief of police and new elections but catalan separatists say the independence vote means they no longerfall under spanishjurisdiction. there are more than 100 thousand children in ukraine who live in orphanages, that's the highest number in europe. nearly a third of them have a disability, and some have become adults there, living in appalling conditions for decades. parents were encouraged to leave their children there — but now the government wants to shut them down and improve the children's lives. 0ur disability correspondent nikki fox has been investigating. you may find some of the scenes in her report distressing. crying. this is life for thousands of disabled children in ukraine. legally, parents can leave their disabled child in a state—run institution, and it's encouraged. this 15—year—old has lived here since he was four. he has a family, as do more

than 90% of those living in institutions in ukraine. now, the government wants them all closed. but what will the future hold for so many who have only ever known this kind of life? i've been given special access to a government—run institution — home to 86 disabled men and boys. for most, this is all they've ever known. how long have some of the kids or adults been here? the nurse tells me that this man has been here for 20 years. she says he's 32. but even at this age, they're still seen and treated as children. efforts are made to keep everyone engaged, but activities are sporadic. andriy was left alone in a room to die. born with cerebral palsy, his mother was told the best place for him was an orphanage.

tatyana lives in a remote village, with no services, a common problem in ukraine. she felt her only choice was to give andriy up. translation: if i had known back then that they would treat him badly, i would never have trusted them, but i did put my trust into them. i felt horrible, it was terrible. i still cry every night. andriy was eventually rescued from the institution. now he has a future, living with a foster family. but adoption is still a possibility. the neglect many experience in care was highlighted in a report by disability rights international. institutions for the disabled child can stunt not only their physical growth, but also their psychological growth. sometimes, it's as a prison, or even worse than a prison. huge reforms to close all institutions across ukraine are under way, but the government admits it needs help. we need support.

i am talking with international organisations and with different governments, of different countries, about support for ukraine. because no one country — poland, bulgaria, romania, any other countries — didn't do this themselves. progress is already under way. a new law means that all schools in ukraine must now teach disabled children, like artem. he can now make friends and learn, and hope for a betterfuture. but there's still an acceptance here that if you have a child with a disability, they will go into an institution. ukraine is changing, but for those who have spent a lifetime in care, real change will take time. nikki fox, bbc news, ukraine. and you can see more of nikki fox's exclusive report on children with disabilities in ukraine in "our world", which follows this bulletin on bbc world tv. you can also see it at 1230

and 1730gmt on saturday and at 0430gmt on sunday. nearly two months after hurricane harvey devastated houston, their baseball team is giving them something to cheer about. the astros levelled their world series against the dodgers, with victory in an epic 11—inning game two. ahead of game 3 on friday in houston, nick marshall—mccormack found out how the astros players are doing more than just playing baseball, to help their city get back on its feet. the floodwaters had receded but the destruction left behind will take a long time to fix and forget. hurricane harvey roared through houston in august, the landfall here in 50 years. over 100,000 homes houston in august, the landfall here in 50 years. 0ver100,000 homes were damaged by ferocious winds and

floods. tens of thousands are still living with relatives or in motels with dwindling savings. that storm has probably hit hardest and harder than any storm ever has because this time it affected all of houston, not just one part of it. for houston this has been a trying time but i think it has been a time where we have all come together. the baseball team, the astros, have been involved in relief and recovery effort since the moment the hurricane here. they where a houston strong badge of honour on their world series uniform. they know the morale boost a championship win would give to a city down on its knees. we are out there to carry the city. we want them to have someone to cheer former matter what the cause is and we will let them know we have their backs and we know they have ousted we are trying to win its city, as a single unit. rubbishes piled up like this outside houses right across houston. the astros ace pitcher admits that people are really hurting right now.

he has donated over $100,000 of his own money and the astros owner and the team's foundation have donated over $4 million and counting. the players have stepped up and really wa nt to players have stepped up and really want to win one for houston. we have never won a world series. the city is behind us and everybody is helping everybody. crane is notjust helping everybody. crane is notjust helping hurricane harvey victim ‘s. he is also assisting his team's puerto rican connections affected by the recent destruction there.|j puerto rican connections affected by the recent destruction there. i am thinking of them. i'm always thinking of them. i'm always thinking of them. i'm always thinking of my people puerto rico. beat to be able to bring a little bit ofjoy beat to be able to bring a little bit of joy and beat to be able to bring a little bit ofjoy and happiness meant a lot to me. sometimes we are disillusioned by all the money sports stars are paid. hull this is a time when we should applaud a team thatis a time when we should applaud a team that is giving back so generously, while trying their heart out to win the city's first world series. while trying their heart out to win the city's first world seriesm would be unbelievable what would do to this city if they a world series.

it is back on our home field now, so we have it. ahead of halloween, donald trump has been teasing trick—or—treating children at the oval office. you'll be able to make out the presidentjoking with the children, whose parents are some of the white house reporters, saying they could have some sweets because they were not overweight. who likes this? you have no weight problems, that is good news. pick out whatever you need. if you want some for yourfriends, out whatever you need. if you want some for your friends, take them. we have plenty. how does the press tree to you? i bet you get treated better by the press than anybody in the world, right? anyway, congratulations, folks. you did egg good job. —— a good job. congratulations, folks. you did egg goodjob. —— a goodjob. not congratulations, folks. you did egg good job. —— a good job. not so much here but, really beautiful children.

donald trump they are entertaining the children of the white house reporters. belfast fashion week is under way at one of its show will feature a teenager with down syndrome. k's mother posted pictures of her on social media are getting no response from modelling agencies. she now urges the industry to change its perceptions of beauty. fashion is an industry where looks matter. what is seen on the surface can sometimes be judged as the substance. but not everybody gets the opportunity to standard a special in this world. cate grant is 19 and she wants to be a model. however, she was only given the chance to pose for pictures after her mother complained on facebook about the attitude of modelling agencies. she believes that they did

not see potential and kate because she has down syndrome and that post has been liked and shared tens of thousands of times. whenever i applied for places for her to be a model, it came down to that she had down's syndrome. to me, beauty is in eve ryo ne down's syndrome. to me, beauty is in everyone and, um, ifelt down's syndrome. to me, beauty is in everyone and, um, i felt that they we re everyone and, um, i felt that they were not open—minded.” everyone and, um, i felt that they were not open-minded. i think it is so were not open-minded. i think it is so special. everyone is. when i was teni so special. everyone is. when i was ten i wanted to be a model. i want people to believe me and trust me. some have accused fashion brands of having no view of what beauty is. but there are companies who are trying to be more representative of society and who represents them. last week, the clothing change river island launched a new campaign

featuring an 11—year—old with down syndrome. the company said it was a deliberate attempt to be more inclusive. the industry is changing and changing for the better because we are accepting people who do not look like cookie cutter kind of models. that is fantastic because society is like that. and tonight, alongside professional models, capable alongside professional models, ca pa ble ta kes to alongside professional models, capable takes to this catwalk as pa rt capable takes to this catwalk as part of belfast fashion week. capable takes to this catwalk as part of belfast fashion weekm capable takes to this catwalk as part of belfast fashion week. it is a mind blowing that it has come true. it is brilliant. there is a trend towards change but greater representation will take time. in the fashion industry, there are not that many overnight sensations. that story is on our website and we have a lot more as always. you can also get in touch with some of us on social media. i am an twitter.

the weekend is looking chilly and blustery, particularly across northern britain. it will not be windy across the entire weekend but saturdays especially blustery across scotla nd saturdays especially blustery across scotland and northern england, across the pennines will touch gale force at times. on top of that we have a lot of cloud heading our way so it is certainly not looking sunny across the north. the best of the sunshine is expected further south. in the short term we have clear skies across southern areas where we have a high pressure and you can see quite a few isobars already there across scotland so the winds are strengthening. here are the temperatures first thing on saturday. are much the same across the country but the night, the following nights will be colder. saturday dawns on a bright note across many southern and central as well as eastern areas but a hole through the course of the morning into the afternoon, the clouds will be thickening and the wind will be

strengthening. there will be spots of rain around as well. this jaundiced gusts of wind will be around the pennines towards these to the pennines as well, approaching pay speeds over the tops. throw—in will not be anywhere near as strong in the south and there will be sunshine around, if you live in the southern part of the uk, this is lunchtime, the weather does not look bad at all. you will see fine weather on saturday itjust will not be everywhere. many western and northern areas will be cloudy and it will feel cool list here although the temperature is not too bad, averaging around 14 degrees across the uk. the wind will peak late in the uk. the wind will peak late in the afternoon. it will still remain windy through the course of the saturday night and then there will bea saturday night and then there will be a change in the wind direction. look at that. the wind will tend to ease across the uk so on sunday it will not be anywhere near as windy and there is more sunshine on the way. a few spangles, a few showers there across the north—east of scotla nd there across the north—east of scotland and down into east anglia. 0n scotland and down into east anglia. on balance, a day. cooler temperatures into single figures across scotland and northern england. stormy on sunday across

many western and central parts of europe. are huge area of low pressure sending cold wind from the north. were underneath a high pressure so a big contrast between east and west. the wind will fall light on sunday into monday. the sky will clear and we are in free chilly one. temperatures in towns and cities on monday morning will be around three degrees across the northern half of the uk, a little less cold in the south. certainly, outside of town, cold enough for a touch of frost. it is expected to be the coldest night of the year so far. sunday night into monday. and then by tuesday the temperatures should start recovering again. this is bbc news. the main headlines: the spanish prime minister says the government has begun taking measures in response to catalonia's declaration of independence. they include sacking the catalan government and police chief and also the dissolution of the catalan parliament. spain's senate earlier voted in favour of direct rule from madrid.

but catalan separatists say the independence law their parliament passed means they no longer fall under spanish jurisdiction. election authorities in kenya have postponed indefinitely be voting from the presidential poll which had been due to take place in four volatile western counties on saturday. 0fficial volatile western counties on saturday. official said the safety threat to electoral workers was too great. an italian man who is hiv positive has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for intentionally infecting 30 women through unprotected sex. now on bbc news, it's time for witness.