Rep. McKinley Overcomes Sepsis and Returns to Legislature
Standing Ovation from Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers... "Today is an Exception to the No-Applause Rule"
In the UK Parliament, where applause has traditionally been prohibited inside the chamber, a standing ovation was given. This was to celebrate the resumption of parliamentary activities by a member who had overcome a life-threatening illness. On the 25th (local time), the British daily The Telegraph reported that Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay appeared in Parliament for the first time in about eight months on the 22nd.
MP Mackinlay was suddenly diagnosed with sepsis at the end of September last year. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by an excessive immune reaction to bacteria infecting the bloodstream, leading to widespread inflammation, multiple organ failure, and death. At the time, medical staff predicted that Mackinlay’s chance of survival was only 5%. He was in a coma for 16 days before barely waking up, but necrosis had progressed in both arms and legs, requiring amputation surgery.
On that day, when Mackinlay entered the chamber wearing prosthetic legs and arms, all MPs from both sides stood up and applauded. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said, “As you know, we do not allow applause, but this is an exception,” adding, “We are truly glad you are back with us.” In the UK Parliament, applause is traditionally prohibited to maintain dignity and order, and opinions for or against are expressed verbally.
Wearing a shirt and sneakers, Mackinlay explained his attire by saying, “Because of the prosthetic legs and arms, I couldn’t wear shoes and a jacket,” and apologized for breaking several parliamentary rules because of himself. He also said, “Today is a very emotional day for me.” He separately expressed gratitude to Speaker Hoyle, who visited him in hospital, and to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from the same party.
Based on his experience, MP Mackinlay urged the government to work hard to detect the early signs of sepsis and called on Prime Minister Sunak to strengthen government support measures for sepsis patients. He also told the Health Secretary that appropriate prosthetics must be guaranteed for patients who have undergone amputations. Meanwhile, in a statement released on the 24th, Mackinlay said, “I still have many surgeries to undergo and receive physical therapy every week, so it will be difficult to endure a rigorous election campaign,” indicating that he will not run in the next general election.
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