About Catherine

Catherine Stihler was elected in 1999 as the youngest British MEP in the European Parliament, and has proved herself as a strong and committed campaigner, innately pro-European whilst never being afraid to stand up for what’s best for Scotland.

Born in Bellshill, on July 30th 1973, Catherine was educated at Coltness High School and St Andrews University, where she was awarded a MA (Hons) Geography and International Relations (1996), and a MLitt in International Security Studies (1998). Before becoming a MEP, Catherine served as President of St Andrews University Students Association (1994-1995), and worked as a Political Researcher to Anne Begg MP (1997-1999).

As a Member of the European Parliament since 1999, Catherine has performed in the role of Deputy Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP) from 2004 to 2006 and EPLP health spokesperson (1999-2004).

Catherine is at present the EPLP spokesperson on the Regional Development (2004-) and Fisheries (1999-) committees, and is a member of the delegation for relations with Switzerland, Iceland and Norway, and the European Economic Area (EEA). Catherine is also a substitute on the committee of Transport and Tourism, and the delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee.

As a founding member of the Campaign for Parliamentary Reform, Catherine is committed to transparent accounting of expenses and employment practices, which would involve scrapping double pensions for MEPs and having European Parliament sessions in Brussels only.

Having been an active Labour Party member from the age of 18, Catherine is also a member of UNITE (Amicus), the Co-operative Party, the Fabians, SERA, Labour Movement for Europe and the Christian Socialist Movement.

In her role as MEP Catherine has lead the campaign for bolder anti-smoking messages on cigarette packs, alongside promoting Scotland’s anti-smoking legislation as a role-model for the rest of the EU. Catherine was instrumental in winning the fight for recognition of Sudden Death Syndrome by the World Health Organisation, and helped to deliver Braille on pharmaceutical products.
 
Catherine has continually campaigned for more money for Scottish economic development, and will continue to stand up for Scotland in the EU.

In the present sitting of the parliament, Catherine has asked 238 Parliamentary questions, submitted four motions for resolution, given 130 speeches, authored two reports and proposed five written declarations.

Catherine has special interests in public health, transport, education, environment and fishing. Catherine is also editor of the Parliament Magazine (equivalent of the House Magazine and Holyrood Magazine).

In her leisure time Catherine enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing with yoga, and swimming and has also been known to run marathons.