Never ever heard of him so was surprised by the amount of eulogising … man of principle etc etc… i thought i should have known about him.
So checked him out on a google…strongly supported the Iraq war, strongly opposed any investigation into the the Iraq war, supported the introduction of ID cards, Foundation hospitals, anti-terrorism laws, for stronger asylum laws, for and against climate change legislation, supported updating Trident, for reduing the abortion time limit from 24 to 22 weeks, for more restrictions on IVF access, against extension of feeedom of infprmation, supported stricter rules on incapacity benefit and lone parents
He spoke in Parliament 61 times last year- above average
He submitted 11 written questions last year – below average
So i surmise that he liked the sound of his own voice.
He was, however, pro-gay and anti-hunting and active in supporting mesothelioma compensation and prisoner re-habilitation
http://politics.theguardian.com/person/howtheyvoted/0,,-1961,00.html
Overall , a run-of-the-mill Labour establishment MP so i forgive myself for not ever having heard of him