They work for you

Had a bit of a chat earlier on with one of the guys from theyworkforyou, most specifically about the topics they choose to highlight an MP's voting record. As I've said on here in the past, I think it's a bit of a crude mechanism, in both the selection of topics and also in the absence of any nuance or explanation as to what the votes were actually about. (Which I've explained on here before - e.g. regarding the Iraq inquiry vote, where the issue was actually about the timing of an inquiry, not whether it should happen or not. And the 'voting against a transparent parliament' one is the one which really gets MPs angry, as we've voted on numerous measures which have done just that over the years; it was just one specific point which people had a problem with, which was wrapped up with other issues too. But again, I've covered that on here before).

So, looking forward... The MD of the site has reassured me that it's a registered charity with no political axe to grind. They see their role as informing people about the workings of the democratic process, and basically giving people the information they need to make up their own mind. They try to explain that there is more to the stats than meets the eye; for example, your MP might not speak very much in the Chamber but may be a very assiduous member of a Select Committee. I've noticed they've started putting down Bill Committee attendance rates too; can I just say that the reason I didn't attend the one and only sitting of the Financial Mutual Arrangements Bill Committee was because the Whip didn't tell me I was on it! Apart from that, and missing one sitting of the Finance Bill Committee because the Treasury Select Committee was having a rather important meeting at the time, I think my record is rather good.

Anyway, back to the conversation with theyworkforyou. I'm told that anyone is free to suggest a topic to be covered and to provide the relevant stats, (although there is, understandably, some sort of approval process). He says he'd be happy to run with different topics, provided people out there are actually prepared to do the work. So, how about some suggestions? I'm thinking particularly on the economic front, and maybe on the equalities side too, or maybe controversial issues like stem cell research?

For the record, here's my voting record from the site, which I am quite happy to defend - but only if you make the effort to come up with some suggestions for other topics too.

Voted against a transparent Parliament.
Voted very strongly for introducing a smoking ban.
Voted very strongly for introducing ID cards.
Voted very strongly for Labour's anti-terrorism laws

Voted very strongly against an investigation into the Iraq war
Voted very strongly for replacing Trident
Voted for equal gay rights
Voted moderately for laws to stop climate change