Craig Mackinlay Returns with Bionic Feet and Hands
Craig Mackinlay, the Conservative MP for South Thanet, made a triumphant return to the Commons chamber for the first time since undergoing a quadruple amputation due to sepsis. His arrival was met with a standing ovation from fellow MPs, as well as tributes from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Mackinlay, who plans to run for re-election, entered the chamber just before prime minister’s questions. The ongoing science and technology questions were momentarily paused as MPs stood to applaud him. Acknowledging the applause, Mackinlay took his seat on the Conservative benches. Science Minister Julia Lopez remarked on the appropriateness of his arrival during science questions, referring to him as the “new bionic MP.”
During PMQs, Mackinlay took the opportunity to pay tribute to the NHS staff who treated him and to advocate for greater awareness of sepsis’s early signs, which he experienced in September. His illness, which required a quadruple amputation and fitting with prosthetic limbs, was publicly disclosed on Tuesday evening.
Before PMQs, Mackinlay received another round of applause after Speaker Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to him. Hoyle welcomed him back, calling him an inspiration and noting the support of his family. “You are the man of the moment,” Hoyle said, adding that clapping was allowed on this special occasion.
Prime Minister Sunak also extended a warm welcome, praising Mackinlay’s resilience as demonstrated in a recent TV interview. Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Mackinlay’s courage and dedication to public service.
In his PMQs question, Mackinlay expressed gratitude to Sunak and Hoyle for their hospital visits and made a light-hearted joke about Hoyle’s formal attire causing concern among hospital staff. He reiterated his commitment to raising awareness about sepsis and advocating for better prosthetics provision.
Mackinlay’s return to Parliament highlighted his determination to continue his work and use his experience to benefit others, particularly in promoting early recognition of sepsis.