Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois was present in the House of Commons today, carrying on the business of Parliament despite yesterday’s terrorist incident in which five people died.
Mark was present and in the middle of voting in the House of Commons yesterday when the attack took place at around 2:40pm. Parliament then went into lock down whilst armed police searched the premises for any further intruders. As of today, five people have died in the attack including Police Constable Keith Palmer, who was on duty at the entrance to Parliament and was fatally stabbed by his assailant, who was then shot by armed police.
The Prime Minister made a statement in the Commons today and paid tribute to the Policeman and others, pointing out that terrorists will never defeat our way of life or our democratic processes by the use of violence. Parliament then carried on with its normal business, including a debate on compensation for Equitable Life policy holders and one on social mobility.
Commenting on the attack and its aftermath, Mark Francois said:
“What happened yesterday was a horrific attack but one which will not deflect the House of Commons from its work in any way. Everyone in Parliament is mindful in particular of the work that our security personnel do to protect us and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have died, especially PC Keith Palmer who gave his life defending Parliament from an attacker. The Prime Minister said today that our values will never be defeated by terrorism and I completely agree with her.”