Spain's government has lodged an appeal with the Constitutional Court against the latest bid by Catalonia's regional leaders to pave the way for a fresh referendum on independence, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told a news conference on Friday.

Lawmakers in the northeastern region of Catalonia on Wednesday approved a set of changes to procedures that will allow them to fast-track preparations for the referendum through their local assembly in August.

The vote outlined by separatist leaders in Catalonia is planned for October 1, 2017.

“There will not be any referendum on Oct. 1,” Rajoy told a news conference in Madrid after the weekly cabinet meeting. "With this (legal) appeal, the government is meeting its duty to make sure the law is upheld,” he added.

Spain's Constitutional Court has blocked previous attempts to vote on independence in Catalonia.