Britain’s resolve ‘will not waiver’

Prime Minister strikes a resolute tone as she leads tributes to PC Palmer

Theresa May led tributes to Constable Keith Palmer yesterday, hailing him “every inch a hero” whose actions would never be forgotten.

The Prime Minister also insisted “our resolve will never waiver” in the face of terrorism as she updated MPs on Wednesday’s attack.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn spoke of the “human impulse for solidarity to stand together in times of darkness and adversity”.

Meanwhile, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said: “We are as one in our dedication to democracy”.

Also present in one of the side galleries was French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

Informing MPs of his attendance, Commons speaker John Bercow said: “Sir, we appreciate your presence and your very fitting display of solidarity with us.”

Three French schoolchildren were among those injured in the attack, alongside people of several nationalities on Westminster Bridge.

Earlier in the day, MPs had gathered in the chamber to hold a minute’s silence, which was also observed at Tube stations around London and at Holyrood in Edinburgh.

The time of 9.33am was chosen because PC Palmer’s badge number was 933.

Flags were flown at half mast, books of condolence organised and church services held for parliamentary staff.

All the while, reminders of Wednesday’s events remained with parts of the parliamentary estate still cordoned off.

Addressing MPs, Mrs May said the message from Parliament should be: “We meet here, in the oldest of all parliaments, because we know that democracy – and the values it entails – will always prevail.

“This was an attack on free people everywhere.”

Recognising PC Palmer’s bravery, she added: “He was every inch a hero. And his actions will never be forgotten.”

Mrs May also confirmed that the attacker, shot dead on the parliamentary estate, was British born and had some years ago been investigated in relation to concerns about violent extremism.

She added: “There was no prior intelligence of his intent – or of the plot.”

She told MPs: “We saw the worst of humanity, but we will remember the best. Much more will be said in the coming days, but the greatest response lies not in the words of politicians, but in the everyday actions of ordinary people.”

Responding from the Labour frontbench, Mr Corbyn said: “It is by demonstrating our values of solidarity, community, humanity and love that we will defeat the poison and division of hatred.”

Mr Robertson said: “Today of all days we are reminded that, notwithstanding our differences on political and constitutional issues, we are as one in our dedication to democracy, the rule of law and harmony between peoples of all faiths and none.”