Huw Merriman MP—Statement on Westminster Attack
Thursday, 23 March, 2017
The events of yesterday, and the violence in, and nearby, Westminster brings great sadness. My thoughts are for those who lost their lives and those who have been left behind.
We now know that PC Keith Palmer, a member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, lost his life in the incident, as did three other individuals. That one of our serving officers, a familiar face to many, has lost his life is a tragedy.
I was on my way to visit, and take questions from, a group of local schoolchildren in the Parliamentary Education Centre around the time when the incident occurred. The division bell caused me to turn back to vote and I was therefore one of the many MPs who were asked to remain in the chamber for almost 5 hours whilst the police and security forces locked down the estate and ensured it was safe. Staff were also forced to remain in various parts of the building. The staff, police and security forces were incredible with their care.
I was glad to get home to East Sussex albeit my thoughts are with those who did not return home to their families. I am now on the train on my way back to Parliament where I hope we can pay tribute to those who died, were injured or put themselves on the line to protect those who work in Parliament and the members of the public.
It is important that MPs show dignity and respect. This is even more important in the age of social media. We must mourn what has occurred whilst not letting the events impact how we go about our daily business. On Friday, I will be joining the local school to take the questions that I should have taken from them on Wednesday afternoon.
My thanks to those who have sent in their thoughts.
