MP’s praise for hero PC
MARY Robinson MP has praised the ‘exceptional service and bravery’ of PC Keith Palmer, who lost his life defending Parliament following the terrorist attack in Westminster on Wednesday, March 22.
The attacker targeted our Parliament in order to strike fear at the heart of our democracy.
However, in the days following the attack, the House of Commons sat, MPs held the government to account and represented their constituents. The terrorist did not succeed.
As the attack happened, MPs were on their way to vote. Mary was in New Palace Yard, less than 100 metres away.
At the time nobody knew the nature of the gunfire, however Parliament went into lockdown.
Mary said: “My thoughts are with all the innocent victims of this terrorist attack. This was a truly abhorrent attack on democracy, on Parliament and the precious values which underwrite our free society.
“Last week’s attack serves as a powerful reminder of the exceptional bravery of our police and security services on the front line. As the Prime Minister noted, the ‘exceptional men and women ran towards the danger, even as they encouraged others to move the other way.’
“PC Keith Palmer died defending our institution. I want to pay tribute to him and all those officers and members of our intelligence services who every day do important work to keep us safe and demonstrate exceptional bravery. For my part, I want to thank the many constituents of all political leanings and none, who have contacted me and my office in recent days to express their thanks for the work MPs and staff do.
“I know colleagues across all parties have received similar supportive messages and I am very grateful.”