Eerie silence in Westminster after attack
LONDON — A bloodied rag lay on the cobbles as two forensic officers worked in a blue tent nearby. But it was the silence on Thursday that was the most poignant reminder of the terror attack outside Britain’s parliament.
The House of Commons resumed business as planned in a show of defiance — even allowing in members of the public to watch, as usual.
But outside, where normally there is noisy traffic, crowds of tourists and busy-looking MPs and officials walking in and out, the Palace of Westminster — cordoned off since Wednesday afternoon — was eerily quiet. The only sounds were the helicopters circling above and the fountain in New Palace Yard, still gushing water just short distance from where police officer Keith Palmer was stabbed to death and his suspected assailant was shot. Parliament was locked down during the attack, in which the suspect first mowed down scores of people on nearby Westminster Bridge, leaving two members of the public dead and dozens injured. Westminster’s Underground station remained closed early on Thursday, while Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey and several adjoining roads were closed off.
But MPs packed the green benches of the Commons chamber for a minute’s silence at 0933 GMT, their heads bowed in tribute to those who died. “As we begin our questions today, I think it’s appropriate we recommit ourselves to the values this parliament represents,” said International Trade Secretary Liam Fox.