Memorial plea in salute to PC Keith Palmer and `bravery for which many others owe their lives`

An MP has called for a permanent memorial to the police officer who died protecting Parliament in a terror attack that struck at the heart of Britain`s democracy. Police Constable Keith Palmer was one of five people – including the suspect – killed as he tried to intercept a terrorist believed to have driven through crowds on Westminster Bridge before storming the entrance to the Houses of Parliament. PC Palmer, part of the Parliament and Diplomatic Protection Command, was stabbed to death confronting an attacker who had already fatally injured three other people. The attacker, whose identity police believe they know, stabbed the officer before being shot dead. Forty other people, including three police officers returning from receiving commendations, were injured after a car struck pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge, before it crashed. Acting Deputy Commissioner and head of counter terrorism at the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), Mark Rowley, said they were working on the assumption the attacker was “inspired by international terrorism”. He said: “This was the day we planned for but hoped would never happen. Sadly it is now a reality.” Mayor Sadiq Khan said Londoners would “never be cowed by terrorism”, adding the reassurance: “Our city remains one of the safest in the world.” He warned additional armed officers would be patrolling the capital. Theresa May, bundled to safety in a ministerial car after taking PMQs, led the UK-wide tributes from inside and outside Westminster to the heroic fallen officer and to the “exceptional men and women” of the MPS who responded to the atrocity – exactly a year to the day since suicide bombers from the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) killed 32 people on the Brussels airport and underground system. The Prime Minister said: “We will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.” “The location of this attack was no accident. The terrorist chose to strike at the heart of our capital city where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke of a “sense of solidarity” felt in Scotland for people in London “caught up in this dreadful event”. Lichfield Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said a memorial should be erected in Westminster as a lasting tribute to the “brave police officer who was killed”. His reaction was typical of MPs across the political divide who registered their gratitude to the daily unsung efforts of the MPS protection officers to keep the members of Parliament safe – and to the selfless sacrifice of PC Palmer. Rhondda MP Chris Bryant spoke for every member of both Houses when he said: “All of us owe an enormous debt of gratitude to a man we all knew well. Our police are part of the parliamentary family.” Braintree MP James Cleverly said he had known the officer for 25 years. “We served together in the Royal Artillery before he became a copper. A lovely man, a friend. I`m heartbroken.” Mr Cleverly, a former Tory leader of the London Assembly, offered up a “huge thank you” to the security staff in Parliament, adding: “I spent years working with the Met and their bravery, decisiveness and effectiveness in response to this attack is of no surprise to me.” Orpington MP Jo Johnson added: “The police saved many lives today – extraordinary response.” The simple message from Home Affairs Select Committee chair Yvette Cooper summed up a nation`s feelings: “Thank you PC Keith Palmer – to your bravery many others owe their lives and safety.” Mr Khan added: “Tragically, a Metropolitan Police officer who was doing his duty protecting our city is among those who have been killed – and my thoughts are with his family. “I want to express my gratitude on behalf of all Londoners to the police and emergency services who have shown tremendous bravery in exceptionally difficult circumstances.” Tributes also poured