MPs support call to rename site of PC Palmer’s sacrifice in his honour
Dozens of MPs have backed proposals to rename Parliament’s Carriage Gates entrance after the officer who died defending it from a terror attack.
An Early Day Motion tabled by Labour MP Matt Western asking for the entrance to be renamed ‘Palmer Gates’ in honour of Police Constable Keith Palmer has been signed 114 times.
Mr Western believes the gesture would recognise the officer’s “gallantry and ultimate sacrifice”, and acknowledge the Government’s “profound gratitude”.
The Warwick and Leamington MP is calling for the Gates to be renamed on March 22 – the first anniversary of the attack that claimed six lives.
Speaking at Commons Business Questions last week, Mr Western said: “Three weeks today will mark the sad anniversary of the tragic attack on Westminster, which saw five people killed on Westminster Bridge and the death of PC Keith Palmer.
“Will the Leader of the House give the House an idea of what plans there are to mark the occasion?”
PC Palmer, of the Metropolitan Police Service, was fatally stabbed as he attempted to stop terrorist Khalid Masood from entering the Houses of Parliament in March last year.
Masood deliberately drove at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before trying to access the building through the Carriage Gates.
In honour of his sacrifice, PC Palmer’s shoulder number – 4157U – has been retired, and he was posthumously recognised with a George Medal in the 2018 Queen’s birthday honours.
Mr Western’s Early Day Motion has been supported by MPs from across the political spectrum, including former Shadow Policing Minister Jack Dromey and Chris Bryant, who is leading proposed legislation to better protect officers from assault.
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom confirmed PC Palmer’s sacrifice will be commemorated on March 22.
Dozens of MPs have backed proposals to rename Parliament’s Carriage Gates entrance after the officer who died defending it from a terror attack.She added that Mr Western should contact House Speaker John Bercow to further explore the renaming appeal.
Ms Leadsom said: “There will be commemorations in this place and House staff are looking into the detail of that at the moment. Announcements will be made as soon as possible.”
