AS POLITICIANS return to the House of Commons following the Easter recess, we have delved into what contribution Southampton’s MPs make to the chamber.

Analysis shows how often the trio have voted, how many debates they have taken part in, and how many parliamentary questions they have asked since the last general election.

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

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test

Daily Echo:

Dr Whitehead, who serves in the official Opposition, recorded 396 ayes or noes.

He recorded no vote, or abstained, on 95 occasions – giving the South East representative a participation rate of 81%.

This was equal to the average for all UK politicians who have sat in the House of Commons since the election (excluding the Speakers).

Since the last election, the 71-year-old has taken part in 100 debates, speaking a total of 42,373 words.

By comparison, the average MP has spoken 44,530 words over the same period, Prime Minister Boris Johnson around 394,000 and Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon a whopping 560,000.

The figures also show Dr Whitehead, who was elected to his seat on May 1, 1997, has asked 333 Parliamentary Questions since the last election.

This included 16 put to a government minister in person and 316 in writing.

Royston Smith, Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen

Daily Echo:

Of the 491 votes over this time, Royston Smith, who serves as a backbench MP, recorded 408 ayes or noes.

He recorded no vote, or abstained, on 83 occasions – giving the Tory representative a participation rate of 83%.

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

Since the last election, Mr Smith, 57, has taken part in 19 debates, speaking a total of 6,860 words.

The figures also show Mr Smith, who was elected to his seat on May 7, 2015, has asked 149 Parliamentary Questions since the last election.

This included 12 put to a government minister in person, 131 in writing and six topical questions – those asked during the last 15 minutes of most ministerial question sessions.

But he has not asked any during Prime Minister's Questions – the weekly session when the PM faces scrutiny in the House.

Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Southampton North and Romsey

Daily Echo: MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes

Of the 491 votes over this time, Caroline Nokes, who serves as a backbench MP, recorded 428 ayes or noes.

She recorded no vote, or abstained, on 63 occasions – giving the Tory representative a participation rate of 87%.

Since the last election, Ms Nokes, 49, has taken part in 178 debates, speaking a total of 58,595 words.

The figures also show Mrs Nokes, who was elected to her seat on May 6, 2010, has asked 237 Parliamentary Questions since the last election.

This included 38 put to a government minister in person, 186 in writing and five topical questions – those asked during the last 15 minutes of most ministerial question sessions.

And she asked eight during Prime Minister's Questions – the weekly session when the PM faces scrutiny in the House.

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