Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine employed a microphone in the House of Commons during a session, as she continues her recovery from a nerve injury. Sabine, who serves as her party's spokesperson for culture, media, and sport, used the device while responding to a government minister's statement on online safety.
Sabine, the Member of Parliament for Frome and East Somerset, previously disclosed that she underwent thyroid surgery earlier in the year. This procedure resulted in an injury to her recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords. This specific type of injury is similar to one experienced by BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson in 2015 following surgery to remove a lung tumor. Robinson's injury at the time left him with only a whisper for a period.
In a statement released in July, Sabine described the adjustment to her reduced voice. "Anyone who knows me knows I'm rarely lost for words, so these last couple of weeks without much of a voice have been quite an adjustment," she wrote. She expressed confidence in her recovery, citing Robinson's return to broadcasting as inspiration. "I'm now focused on giving myself the best possible chance of a full recovery, which means a further period of voice rest over the summer," she added.
Sabine indicated that she would be attending follow-up appointments with doctors and speech and language therapists, and expressed gratitude for her care at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. She affirmed her commitment to her constituents, stating, "This will not stop me being an effective voice for Frome & East Somerset." She assured residents that her office continues to operate normally on issues ranging from bus services to healthcare. She also anticipates requiring practical accommodations in Parliament upon its return in September to ensure she can continue her duties effectively in the Chamber, committees, and meetings. Sabine stated her confidence in working with House authorities to implement necessary arrangements, emphasizing that the injury would not impede her ability to perform her elected role.