FOR many, it is the go-to source for checking the performance of MPs. But parlia-mentary monitoring site TheyWorkForYou.com has had to put a caveat on its stats – to make sure users know why SNP MPs do not vote on some Westminster business.
The move is intended to clear up any misconceptions about non-voting on issues relating to England and Wales.
Under English Votes for English Laws (EVEL), Scotland’s representatives are excluded from influencing decisions on England’s health and education provision, for example.
Brought in by David Cameron, the legislation aims to tackle the West Lothian Question, which allowed Scottish MPs to vote on matters not directly affecting Scotland, while their English counterparts were unable to influence decision-making on matters devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
If Scottish MPs do take part in these law-making ballots, their votes are discounted from the tally.
However, the very act of casting those meaningless votes can boost their ratings on the website.
TheyWorkForYou takes data from the UK Parliament and runs breakdowns of the voting records of all MPs, listing contributions on decisions relating to university tuition fees, transport and more – many of which fall under EVEL.
It also publishes percentages on overall participation in all voting.
Until Friday, there was no explanation given to users as to why SNP politicians had not taken part in determinations on EVEL matters. Now the following statement can be found on the pages of each of the group: “Note: SNP MPs do not generally vote on legislation not affecting Scotland, as these matters are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.”
The move follows an intervention by North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson, who said the disclaimer request was in response to attempted “smears” against her and colleagues by political rivals “by suggesting that we ‘miss’ Commons votes”.
She commented: “This allegation is designed to deliberately mislead. Indeed, the Tories brought in English Votes for English Laws to ensure that MPs representing Scottish constituencies could not influence English-only matters. Votes from Scotland’s MPs are not counted in the final decision where matters do not impact on Scotland. The SNP has always accepted this.
“However, because our not voting on England only matters has been deliberately, cynically and irresponsibly misrepresented ... I, and no doubt my colleagues, have received appalling abuse due to the hostility whipped up, with accusations of ‘laziness’ being the most printable.
“My voting record is amongst the best in the House and I spoke on 134 occasions on behalf of my North Ayrshire and Arran constituents in the last year alone.
“Of course, Tory MPs from Scotland do vote on EVEL matters, to increase their voting percentage, despite cynically knowing their votes will not count.
“I am pleased that the matter has now been clarified by They Work For You, which is the responsible thing to do.
“I hope now that these opportunistic attempts to smear and besmirch my record of hard work and commitment to my constituents will stop.”
TheyWorkForYou also provides detailed breakdowns on activity at Holryood, the Senedd and Stormont, as well as the London Assembly.
Run by UK charity mySociety, the popular non-party project was launched in 2004 and aims to “make democracy a little more accessible”.
It states: “You shouldn’t have to be an expert to understand what goes on in Parliament.
“Your politicians represent you ... but what exactly do they do in your name?”
Explaining further, the digital data site says: “We know that Parliament can be dry, fusty, and even intimidating. And there’s the problem: keeping up just involves too much effort.
“Once you get past those barriers, though, you’ll find information that can entertain you, educate you and – no exaggeration – give you the power to get things changed.
“We think that should be available to everyone.”
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We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
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Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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