MP Steve Barclay and his assistant praise emergency services following yesterday’s terror attack in London - both were kept locked in for several hours while the incident unfolded

Pc Keith Palmer was killed in Westminster yesterday. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire (Image: Archant)

Local MP Steve Barclay has praised the emergency services following yesterday’s terror attack in London.

The North East Cambridgeshire MP was in the House of Commons and like hundreds of other MPs was on his way to vote when the incident happened.

“I had just finished a delegated legislative committee meeting and was on my way to the division hall when the attack happened. I heard what I thought was gunfire and then we were being told to stay where we were. Everyone was very calm, but also very concerned about what was happening.

“We were locked in the division hall and the chamber as there was some concern a second attacker had got on to the Parlimentary estate.

“Obviously I, like all the other members, was concerned about my staff and whether they were safe. We didn’t initially know what was happening, but we had our phones and there was a television so we were able to check what was going on,” said Mr Barclay, who added: “The response from the police, security staff, ambulance crews and hospital staff was brilliant and they deserve our deep gratitude for their bravery and expertise.

“Obviously our thoughts go out to the families of those who were killed, including PC Keith Palmer, who died protecting others, and also to all those who were hurt in the attack.

“There is a sombre mood in Parliament today (Thursday), but there is also a determination to carry on as normal. A sense that we will not give in to this kind of atrocity.”

His parliamentary assistant Samir Dwesar was working in Mr Barclay’s office on the third floor of Portcullis House, with a view over Westminister Bridge and the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Dwesar said: “I was on the phone, but we share an office with another MP and a member of their staff called out ‘what’s happening in Parliament’ - he had got a number of text messages about something happening.

“We looked out of the window and we saw a car smashed against the gates and there were people lying in the road. Where the car hit is basically opposite our office. We didn’t hear anything our windows are very sound proof. We immediately locked the office door.

“We didn’t know where the car driver was and soon after we heard shouts of security staff asking us to move downstairs to the lobby of Portcullis House. But we were only there for less than 10 minutes and then we were moved to another building on the estate where we were kept for nearly five hours.

“We were just sitting and talking and checking social media and the television to find out what was happening. Everyone was obviously scared and concerned about what was happening, but everyone stayed calm.”

He continued: “This is a lovely part of the city and our office view is very attractive, but yesterday it was a horrible sight. What we saw was the worst of humanity but it also demonstrated the best. The response from police, security services, paramedics, and other medical staff was incredible, and I know they did everything they could to save lives and keep us safe.”

“Outside our office window there is usually lots of hustle and bustle, with tourists and other people going about their business. Today when I look out it feels like a ghost town. The police have removed the car and other evidence, but there is still a strange atmosphere.”