New analysis can compare and contrast the work of each Bradford MP across three separate categories. 

As MPs return to the House of Commons following the Easter recess, we will be taking a look at different MPs' contributions to parliamentary matters each day.

The data is broken down by how many times the MP has voted, how many debates the MP has taken part in and how many parliamentary questions the MP has asked since the last general election.

In the fourth part of this series, we will take a look at the contributions of Robbie Moore, the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Votes by Robbie Moore

The figures from the House of Commons Library (HoC) show the activities of MPs between the state opening of Parliament on December 16, 2019 and March 7, 2022.

Of the 491 votes over this time, Robbie Moore recorded 455 ayes or noes.

The backbench MP recorded no vote or abstained on 36 occasions – giving the Tory representative a participation rate of 93 per cent.

This was above the 81 per cent average for all UK politicians who have sat in the House of Commons since the election (excluding the Speakers).

The HoC Library said MPs may not vote because they are carrying out other work related to their parliamentary, government or opposition roles.

Participation rates may be affected by ‘pairing arrangements’, whereby MPs from different parties who cannot attend a division agree to cancel out one another’s vote.

Before divisions, debates are held for Members to discuss government policy, new laws and topical issues of the day to help the House reach an informed decision.

The Conservatives had the highest average participation rate of 86 per cent while Labour had an overall rate of 77 per cent.

Debates

Since the last election, Mr Moore has taken part in 174 debates, speaking a total of 55,642 words.

By comparison, the average MP has spoken 44,530 words over the same period. 

These include spoken contributions and oral questions in the House of Commons chamber and in Westminster Hall, but not those shorter than four words.

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Parliamentary Questions

The figures also show Mr Moore has asked 76 Parliamentary Questions since the last election.

These are put formally to a government minister about a matter they are responsible for, to seek information or to press for action from the Government.

This included 44 put to a government minister in person, six in writing and 22 topical questions – those asked during the last 15 minutes of most ministerial question sessions.

He asked four during Prime Minister's Questions – the weekly session when the PM faces scrutiny in the House.

Speaking to the T&A, Mr Moore said: "Voting and speaking on behalf of people in Keighley and Ilkley in Parliament is one of my most important duties as an MP, and I feel this commitment is represented by these figures.

"We debate on so many topics in Parliament, and I have secured my own personal debates on local issues which matter such as tackling child sexual exploitation in the Bradford district, delivering a new Airedale Hospital and stopping the proposed Aire Valley Incinerator.

"Another important part of my role is raising these local matters in personal meetings with ministers, which has helped me successfully lobby for more funding into, amongst other things, a new skills hub, a new manufacturing, engineering and future tech hub and millions of pounds for town centre regeneration projects.”