MPs pause for minute's silence to remember Westminster attack victims one year on

Speaker John Bercow called for silence in 'respectful memory' of those killed in the atrocity, including Pc Keith Palmer

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Thursday 22 March 2018 11:19 GMT
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MPs observe a minute silence one year on from the Westminster attack

MPs have observed a minute's silence in memory of those who died during the Westminster terror attack last year.

With bowed heads, politicians filled the House of Commons chamber to mark the tragedy, where five people were killed and 50 others injured when Islamist extremist Khalid Masood ploughed his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

Masood then stabbed Pc Keith Palmer, an unarmed constable guarding the gates of Parliament, before he was shot by an armed police officer in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster.

Speaker John Bercow called on MPs to unite for silence in "respectful memory" of those killed in the tragedy, which also included US tourist Kurt Cochran, Romanian visitor Andreea Cristea, 31, and Britons Aysha Frade, 44, and Leslie Rhodes, 75.

Culture Secretary Matt Hancock, who was in the chamber to answer departmental questions, said: "I'm sure the whole House will want to associate ourselves to mark the memory of those who passed away a year ago, as we have just noted in the one minute's silence, and to thank once more the emergency services who keep us safe and, especially on this day, those who put others' safety ahead of their own.

"We remember those who have lost their lives defending democracy. They will not be forgotten."

A year on from the tragedy, one of Pc Palmer's friends described him as "a proud and courageous police officer who did his job and never wanted any fuss".

Pc Shaun Cartwright said: "Keith loved being a police officer, he just wanted to help people and do his best.

"Keith was always happy, always the first to help anyone out, first in to work and the last one out.

"He was a proud and courageous police officer who did his job and never wanted any fuss or to be the centre of attention. Keith was a true and loyal friend, utterly reliable.

"Most of all I will remember him as a family man who idolised his wife, daughter and his family; they're the important ones that I think about a year on from the Westminster attack."

Senior officers will attend private memorial services today to mark the atrocity and Pc Palmer's name will be one of 1,400 inscribed on the new UK Police Memorial in Staffordshire, commemorating officers who were killed on duty.

There will also be a number of services and events in Parliament for staff, MPs and peers to pay their respects.

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