AI has given me back my voice – this technology has the potential to be transformative for parliamentary democracy

3 min read1 hr

Some outside Parliament still have outdated ideas about the House of Lords.

They believe it is a place where ritual and tradition take precedence over the realities of modern life. Last week, I was proud to play a part in demonstrating such prejudice is well past its sell-by date.

Thanks to enthusiastic support from all sections of the House, I was able to use cutting-edge AI technology to deliver my speech during the Second Reading of the Health Bill 2026-27. In my own words, and with my younger voice, my contribution was heard loud and clear. The story attracted global and social media attention, demonstrating the wider significance of this development.

Due to my disability, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), I am gradually losing capacity to speak clearly for any length of time. Since joining the House 19 years ago, speaking in debates has become increasingly fatiguing and I have felt the loss greatly.

I sought ways to mitigate the problem. In 2012, I asked the Lords Procedures and Privileges Committee to make a “reasonable adjustment” under the Equality Act. Committee members took some persuading 14 years ago, but eventually they conceded and granted me an exemption from a Standing Order dating back to 1707, to bring an assistant into the Chamber.

This enables my PA to organise my papers, ensure my physical comfort and finish my speech when I run out of breath.

However, it is not the same as speaking for oneself. Despite their best efforts, my personal assistants sometimes omit the emphasis I wish to make, or say a sentence in a way that loses its meaning. I was resigned to accepting this – but then along came AI voice cloning!

At a meeting of the Lord Speaker’s Access Committee, I raised the possibility of using an AI version of my voice in the Chamber. Unlike my 2012 experience, everyone embraced it immediately, especially the Lord Speaker who put it before the Procedures and Privileges Committee and their endorsement was unanimous. The House authorities, and the sound and technical department, swung into action with a welcome “can-do” attitude.

Meantime, I had to “find” my AI voice!

In the summer I discovered a revolutionary text-to-speech British tech company, ElevenLabs.

Its software technology can harvest recordings of speech from the internet to generate a near identical clone. In my case, a recording of Desert Island Discs from 2012 was used. The outcome is unnervingly me, even my slightly mischievous tone! So strong, ever tireless and crystal clear. Once more, everyone can hear and understand me. What’s not to like?

The outcome is unnervingly me, even my slightly mischievous tone!

We ran a couple of rehearsals in the Chamber, which astounded everyone due to its accuracy and clarity. Then last Wednesday, we went live, showcasing, as the Five Live radio presenter referred to me, the “Robo Peer”.

After a brief introduction from the ever-helpful chief whip, I awaited my turn on the list to speak. After saying a few words naturally, my PA pressed the speaker button and my AI voice took over. I was no longer at a disadvantage to my peers!

I’m pleased we attracted international attention afterwards. We showed the sceptics that the House of Lords is not an outdated ivory tower but an inclusive democracy – inclusion at its best.

AI voice technology is transforming my life and the lives of countless other disabled people. For those in careers where public speaking is integral to their work, it’s game changing. “Nothing about us, without our voice” has never felt so tangible and empowering.

Baroness Campbell of Surbiton is a crossbench peer