Famous Vegans - Cathy Jamieson

Cathy Jamieson, 2004.

Cathy Jamieson

Born Catherine Mary Jamieson on November 3, 1956. She is a UK Labour Party politician and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kilmarnock & Loudon. From 2000 to 2008, she was Deputy Leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament. Her website can be found at this link.

Quotes by Cathy Jamieson:

"I was a vegetarian for well over 20 years and then became a vegan. For about 15 years now [2011]."

"I was brought up in a rural dairy farming area in Scotland. ... Not drinking milk is a big decision for someone living in that community. ... It got to the stage, although I was vegetarian, that my health hadn't been particularly good. When I researched a few things, I realized that perhaps I could deal with some of the symptoms I was having, simply by cutting out dairy produce. And I did. Then I got more interested in the ethical issues."

She was present during the debate led by Kerry McCarthy on World Vegan Day. The other vegan MP Chris Williamson was also present that day. About that day she said:

"I was pleased to join my colleagues in celebrating World Vegan Day – apparently with 3 vegan MPs we are the biggest vegan group in any parliament in the world. The debate was a good opportunity to highlight how a vegan diet can be healthy as well as environmentally friendly."

In 2010, the organization Protecting Animals in Democracy (PAD), honored her commitment to tackling cruelty to animals. About this she said:

"I am very pleased to be awarded the Protecting Animals in Democracy Certificate. Cruelty to animals is a shame on our society and our political system needs to do more to protect animals from abuse. I am dedicated to representing the many constituents who write to me about animal welfare problems. Many animals suffer because of political decisions, so I believe it is vital to speak up for these voiceless victims."

She joined forces with Animal Defenders International (ADI) to step up the campaign to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. About this issue she said:

"I cannot believe in this modern day and age, animals are being exploited in such a cruel manner. Unfortunately, since the Tory- led Government came into power, the necessary measures to bring this ban into force seem to have ground to a halt. It is important that politicians and the wider public keep the pressure up on this issue."

She took part in a campaign by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to raise awareness of the need for greater whale protection. About this issue she said:

"I am pleased to be taking part in Tails for Whales. Whales face more threats today than ever before and this project sends out a positive message that we should all be working to protect the ban on whaling and safeguard whale populations. I encourage my constituents to take part by submitting their photos for inclusion."

Quotes are from her 2011 interview with Vegan Option, a 2010 article on her website Cathy's Animal Welfare Stance Recognised, an article on her website Cathy campaigns for wild animal circus ban, a 2011 article on her website about World Vegan Day and an article on her website Cathy backs Whaletail Campaign.