Tameside Euro-MP Chris Davies has emerged at the head of a ‘league table’ comparing the performance of representatives in the European Parliament.

The Liberal Democrat has spoken more often, tabled more questions, and has the best attendance record of the eight MEPs who represent the North West of England.

The figures compiled by independent organisation Votewatch.eu are based on the European Parliament’s own public records since elections were held last year.

Davies has made 34 speeches in the Parliament on subjects ranging from the need to introduce sustainable fisheries policies to the situation in Middle East, but he concentrated in particular on environmental legislation.

The second most voluble MEP was British National Party leader Nick Griffin, who spoke 14 times during the year.

Bottom of the table was Conservative MEP Jackie Foster, who spoke on just three occasions and tabled no parliamentary questions at all.

But UKIP’s representative, Paul Nuttall, claimed the record for absenteeism, being present on just 58% of the days that the Parliament was in session.

Chris Davies said that numbers did not tell the whole story but was pleased that he had topped the table.

He said: “I’m involved in the shaping of laws that will be binding on 27 countries.  A lot of work goes on behind the scenes but parliamentary debates do provide an opportunity to put ideas on record and to hold the European Commission to public account.

“Perhaps the UK Independence Party should learn some lessons.  You can’t stand up for Britain’s interests if you are not present when votes take place.”