London terror attack: Parliament security to be reviewed by two investigations, says Speaker

The announcement was made on Wednesday

The Speaker John Bercow (Getty)

Two separate reviews into Parliament's security procedures will be held following last week's terror attack at Westminster, the Speaker has told MPs.

John Bercow said one independent review would look into how the perimeter fence of the parliamentary estate is secured, while a second externally-led review would analyse how Parliament responds to major incidents.

The reviews were announced days after knife-wielding attacker Khalid Masood tried to gain access to Parliament, killing incident bystanders with his car and a police officer with a knife, before he was shot dead.

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to the four victims of the Westminster attack at the start of Prime Minister's Questions.

"Since my statement on Thursday, the names of those who died have been released," she told the House of Commons

"They were Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran, Leslie Rhodes and of course, Pc Keith Palmer.

"I am sure members across the House will join me in offering our deepest condolences to their friends and families.

"The police and security services' investigation continues and two people have now been arrested and remain in custody."

Video released by The Times newspaper after the attack showed that Carriage Gates, the House of Commons vehicle gates, remained open for a short period after the attack – apparently unguarded.

Witnesses have also raised questions about the location of armed police in New Palace Yard and whether they could have been better deployed. Since the incident police officers armed with submachineguns have been posted near the gates.