Catherine West
Labour · Hornsey and Friern Barnet
FULL PROFILECatherine West is the Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, first elected in 2015. She is 59 years old. As a long-serving backbencher without ministerial appointment, they have more freedom to vote independently.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Human rights and international justice · Animal welfare · Environmental protection · Immigration and asylum · Social security and welfare
Positions
Immigration and asylum — Opposes stricter controls, supports vulnerable migrants
strong
European Union — Strong supporter of EU integration and cooperation
strong
Abortion rights — Supports easier access and buffer zones around clinics
strong
Animal welfare — Champions reforms including ending puppy/kitten smuggling
strong
Human rights — Advocates for defenders globally, opposes authoritarian regimes
strong
Environmental protection — Supports plastic reduction, marine protection, pollution controls
moderate
Social security — Advocates for comprehensive support for vulnerable groups
moderate
Prison reform — Opposes privatisation, supports rehabilitation approaches
moderate
Reasoning Style
Constituency-focused and evidence-based, frequently citing specific cases from Hornsey and Friern Barnet in questions and speeches, while grounding arguments in detailed policy research and international comparisons, particularly on human rights and social justice issues.
Background
Catherine West worked in local government before entering Parliament, serving as a councillor in Islington where she gained experience in public administration and community advocacy.