Yvette Cooper
Labour · Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
FULL PROFILEYvette Cooper is the Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, first elected in 1997. She is 56 years old. She currently serves as Foreign Secretary. As a long-serving backbencher without ministerial appointment, they have more freedom to vote independently.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Immigration and asylum policy · Violence against women and girls · International relations and diplomacy · COVID-19 response and public health · Criminal justice and extradition
Positions
Immigration — Against stricter asylum systems and immigration controls
strong
Violence against women — Strong advocate for tackling violence against women and girls
strong
European Union — Pro-EU integration and cooperation
strong
Economic policy — Supports progressive taxation including bankers' bonus tax
moderate
Healthcare — Opposes privatisation of NHS services like foundation hospitals
moderate
Social issues — Liberal on abortion access and animal welfare
moderate
International diplomacy — Emphasizes multilateral approach and de-escalation
strong
COVID-19 response — Supported government action to reduce spread
moderate
Reasoning Style
Evidence-based and analytical, drawing on economic expertise to frame arguments. Focuses on practical implementation and detailed questioning of policy impacts. Takes a measured, diplomatic approach to complex issues, particularly in international relations.
Background
Yvette Cooper has extensive experience in economics and policy analysis, having worked as an economist and policy researcher before entering Parliament. She brings analytical rigor and technical expertise to her political career, particularly in areas of economic policy and social issues.