WEIR IS NUMBER 1

The Scottish National Party’s Chief Whip at Westminster, Pete Wishart MP has published a league table of MP’s participation in the House of Commons since the 2005 General Election, based on data from the Parliamentary Information Management System (PIMS).

Encompassing speeches in the Chamber, tabling of Motions, and submitting of Written and oral questions, the analysis shows that all six SNP MPs are in the top ten among Scottish MPs.

Angus MP Mike Weir is in top place, with Angus Robertson (Moray) 4th, Stewart Hosie (Dundee East ) 5th, Alex Salmond (Banff & Buchan) 6th, Angus McNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) 7th and finally Pete Wishart (Perth & North Perthshire) 8th.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Weir said:

“In the last election campaign I pledged to be a strong voice for Angus.  I am delighted that these independent figures show my commitment to that pledge.

“The Scottish Parliament now controls vast areas of our lives and, as a result, SNP MPs, unlike our Unionist opponents, do not vote on issues that do not affect Scotland.  These figures show, however, that we strongly pursue Scottish issues at Westminster.

“It has been a very busy year at Westminster and I see that in the last few weeks alone I have contributed to debates, amongst other things, on Terrorism, Tax Credits, Pensions, Energy, the Child Support Agency and Company Law Reform.”

As well as his appearance in the Commons Chamber Mr Weir also sits on the influential Trade and Industry Select Committee and is a member of the Chairmans’ Panel, in which capacity he chairs standing committee and Westminster Hall debates.

“It is always a fine line to divide up your time between Westminster and Angus but I hope I have got the balance right.”