MP’s more now
Expert assessment in Parly
Margaret Ferrier MP has become far more cynical in parliament since being elected in 2015 according to new research.
Analysts have looked at the language used in each MPs maiden speech compared with their last 20 contributions.
Using a complex database called AFINN, and grading words for positivity, researchers found Ms Ferrier had experienced the highest fall in positivity from her maiden speech of any Scottish MP.
Her maiden speech in June 2015 was very positive compared to those of other MPs with a an average score of 1.28.
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West said: “It is a privilege and an honour to stand here today as not only the first SNP Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, but the first female member. I thank my constituents for placing their trust in me to represent them, and will work hard to repay that trust over the next five years.”
However, her most recent 20 contributions in the Commons got an average score of - 0.56, 1.84 points more negative than her first speech in the chamber and the third biggest negative swing for any MP in the country.
Ms Ferrier said: “Since I made my maiden speech, we have witnessed some of the most brutal policies being realised.
“With an overall majority in Parliament, legislation is being pushed through by an uncaring government. Despite having no mandate in Scotland, Tory policies have a severe impact on the most vulnerable in our society .
“Their reckless referendum looks set to drag us out of the European Union and their obsession with scrapping the Human Rights Act will strip us of our fundamental and inalienable rights.
“I will continue to use my position as an MP to hold the Tories to account, and provide a voice for the people who elected me.”
The AFINN database, which was used to calculate these scores, was created by Danish scientist Finn Årup Nielsen and contains close to 1,500 emotive words and phrases scored on how positive they are.