Robert Smith, former MP, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Votes
Appearances
Profile
Register of Interests

As a result of COVID-19, some MPs have been less able to vote in Parliament, and this will be reflected in their voting record.

Show more detail

11th May to 2nd June 2020

All MPs could vote remotely through an online voting tool. Votes cast remotely are shown as normal on the TheyWorkForYou voting record.

2nd to 9th June 2020

The option of online voting was removed, and a number of MPs may have been unable to vote because they were not physically able to attend.

10th June 2020 onwards

The requirements on proxy voting were relaxed, allowing MPs to designate another MP to cast a vote on their behalf.

If an MP votes by proxy, it is effectively exactly the same as if they cast the vote in person and it shows up on their TheyWorkForYou voting record.

MPs are not required to designate a proxy, and may instead pair with an opposing MP to miss a vote. Parliament does not record when two MPs have come to a pairing arrangement, so on TheyWorkForYou, they will both appear to have been absent for the vote.

We will update this information if the situation changes. See more detail on votes during the COVID-19 period here.

A selection of Robert Smith’s votes

See full list of topics voted on

Almost always voted for greater restrictions on campaigning by third parties, such as charities, during elections Show votes 9 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2013–2014.
Generally voted for reducing housing benefit for social tenants deemed to have excess bedrooms (which Labour describe as the "bedroom tax") Show votes 10 votes for, 1 vote against, 6 absences, between 2011–2014.
Generally voted for encouraging occupational pensions Show votes 2 votes for, 0 votes against, 3 absences, between 2004–2011.
Generally voted against a more proportional system for electing MPs Show votes 3 votes for, 1 vote against, in 2010.
Generally voted against university tuition fees Show votes 1 vote for, 10 votes against, 2 absences, between 1997–2012.
Almost always voted against paying higher benefits over longer periods for those unable to work due to illness or disability Show votes 0 votes for, 5 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011–2012.

We have lots more plain English analysis of Robert Smith’s voting record on issues like health, welfare, taxation and more. Visit Robert Smith’s full vote analysis page for more.

Recent appearances

Written Answers — Department for Energy and Climate Change: Energy: Meters 26 Mar 2015

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment the Government has made of the potential effect of amending the licence conditions for retailers responsible for implementing smart meters so that they may use normative benchmark comparisons as an alternative to in-home displays on (a) the total cost of that implementation project and (b) the likelihood of achieving...
Ways and Means: Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation — Amendment of the Law 18 Mar 2015

Will the hon. Gentleman give way on that point?
Ways and Means: Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation — Amendment of the Law 18 Mar 2015

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his recognition of the coalition, which the broadcasters have lost sight of in reporting what happens in the House. The Budget specifically talked about how Government can get in the way of business, but has it not shown how the Government can, with the right engagement, take positive action, as they have with the North sea oil and gas industry? Entering into...

More of Robert Smith’s recent appearances

Profile

Former Liberal Democrat MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Entered the House of Commons on 1 May 1997 — General election

Left the House of Commons on 30 March 2015 — General election

Expenses

Topics of interest

Trade and Industry
Treasury
Scotland
Energy and Climate Change
Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Income Tax: Tax Rates and Bands
Fuel Poverty
Renewable Energy
Post Offices
Prisoners' Transfers

Other offices held in the past

Member, Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee) (6 Dec 2010 to 30 Mar 2015)
Member, Energy and Climate Change Committee (12 Jul 2010 to 30 Mar 2015)
Member, Energy and Climate Change Committee (19 Jan 2009 to 6 May 2010)
Opposition Whip (Commons) (1 Jul 2008 to 6 May 2010)
Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (20 Dec 2007 to 6 May 2010)
Member, International Development Committee (16 Apr 2007 to 19 Jan 2009)
Shadow Spokesperson (Business, Innovation and Skills) (1 Jun 2005 to 1 Jun 2006)
Shadow Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change) (1 Jun 2005 to 1 Jun 2006)
Shadow Spokesperson (Scotland) (10 May 2005 to 10 Mar 2006)
Member, Accommodation and works Committee (28 May 2004 to 11 Apr 2005)
Member, Standing Orders Committee (24 Oct 2001 to 5 May 2005)
Member, Unopposed Bills (Panel) (17 Oct 2001 to 6 May 2010)
Member, Procedure Committee (16 Jul 2001 to 6 May 2010)
Member, Trade & Industry Committee (16 Jul 2001 to 25 Oct 2005)
Opposition Deputy Chief Whip (Commons) (10 Jun 2001 to 10 Mar 2006)
Member, Scottish Affairs Committee (1 Nov 1999 to 11 May 2001)

Future MPs in this constituency

Public bill committees (Sittings attended)

Criminal Justice and Courts Bill Committee (8 out of 13)
Citizenship (Armed Forces) Bill Committee (0 out of 1)
Energy Bill Committee (13 out of 16)
Vehicle Registration Marks Bill Committee (1 out of 1)

Register of Members’ Interests

Last updated: 30 Mar 2015.

5. Gifts, benefits and hospitality (UK)

Name of donor: BP International Ltd

Address of donor: Chertsey Road, Sunbury on Thames TW16 7BP

Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: Tickets to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow for my wife and I, with coach transfer, accommodation, meals and hospitality, at a total value of £710.

Date of receipt of donation: 31 July 2014

Date of acceptance of donation: 31 July 2014

Donor status: company, registration 542515

(Registered 27 August 2014)

6. Overseas visits

Name of donor: Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Address of donor: C/O Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, 6 Grafton Street, London W1S 4EQ

Destination of visit: Hong Kong

Date of visit: 23-31 May 2014

Amount of donation (or estimate of the probable value): flights, in-country transport, accommodation, meals, wi-fi access and laundry with a total value of £10,621.32

Purpose of visit: All Party Parliamentary China Group delegation visit to understand more about the political and economic environment in Hong Kong and the progress towards universal suffrage and to engage with and support bids by British business.

(Registered 25 June 2014; updated 30 June 2014)

8. Land and Property

Farm and cottages in Aberdeenshire, from which rental income is received.

Flat in Glasgow, from which rental income is received.

9. Registrable shareholdings

(b) Glaxosmithkline; pharmaceuticals.

(b) Legal and General; life assurance.

(b) Rio Tinto; mineral extraction.

(b) Shell Transport and Trading; oil-integrated.

View the history of this MP’s entries in the Register

More about the register

Note for journalists and researchers: The data on this page may be used freely, on condition that TheyWorkForYou.com is cited as the source.

This data was produced by TheyWorkForYou from a variety of sources. Voting information from Public Whip.

Robert Smith