Local MPs Caught Up in Westminster ' Lockdown'

Rupa Huq and Ruth Cadbury say their thoughts are with the families of the victims

Local MPs have joined tributes to the emergency services following yesterday's attack at Westminster.

Four people, including the assailant and police officer Keith Palmer, are known to have died in the incident with around 40 more thought to have been injured.

Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq took to social media to reassure everyone she was safe:

'' For everybody asking... House of Commons chamber still in lockdown and business of Parliament suspended for the day. Am ok, thoughts and prayers with victims families. Huge appreciation for police and Commons security staff for keeping us safe

She was sitting beside Conservative MP Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset) while in lockdown. She tweeted "Despite adversarial politics seen on TV, cross-party friendships across Commons expecially at a time like this."

She went on: ''My heart goes out to PC Keith Palmer the courageous police officer who died protecting us all and families of the bereaved.''

Ms Cadbury, the MP for Brentford & Isleworth also tweeted: "Thoughts with all those injured and bereaved. Grateful to all those who protect those who work & visit here... meanwhile we're in lockdown."

She said she had been sitting on a bench writing her speech for an upcoming vote "when it all kicked off" and she found herself being moved to different areas for safety.

Police asked people to avoid Parliament Square; Whitehall; Westminster Bridge; Lambeth Bridge; Victoria Street up to the junction with Broadway and the Victoria Embankment up to Embankment tube to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said it is believed the attacker was inspired by international terrorism. Last night armed police carried out a raid on an address in Birmingham.

Virendra Sharma, Southall MP said:

'' “Following yesterday’s despicable and cowardly attack on Parliament I would like to urge peace, unity and cooperation. Yesterday a brave Police officer ran towards danger to protect the public and lost his life. I want to praise PC Keith Palmer’s sacrifice along with the hard work and professionalism of all the security staff yesterday. I would also like to thank Tobias Ellwood, my friend and colleague, for doing what he could to try and save the life of PC Palmer. Many men and women lie injured in hospital after this contemptible act, and two people are dead from the attack on Westminster Bridge.

''While the facts of what truly happened are still unfolding I would encourage everyone to carry on with their lives, as Londoners have done for centuries.
''We must not jump to conclusions, we must not sink to the level of people who hate us, we must stand together as a community not apart and not scared, unbent and unbowed.”

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: "The scenes that we saw on our TV screens yesterday were truly sickening. Our thoughts and sympathy are with those who have died and have been injured, and their families and friends.

“Tolerance, understanding and cohesion are our greatest weapons against hatred and terrorism.

“We are flying the Union flag at half-mast over Ealing Town Hall in honour of those who have been affected by this attack.”

The police are asking the public for their continued help and vigilance. People who see anything that causes concern or raises suspicions should contact the police on  - 0800 789 321 - or in an emergency call 999.  #WeStandTogether

March 23rd 2017