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London attack: Theresa May says Westminster assailant was British-born and known to MI5 – live
London attack: Theresa May says Westminster assailant was British-born and known to MI5 – live
(35 minutes later)
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MP James Cleverly, friend of Keith Palmer, calls for posthumous award
Theresa Villiers, the former Northern Ireland secretary, used her question during the statement to suggest that all police officers guarding “sensitive sites” in London should be routinely armed. She asked Theresa May:
James Cleverly, the Tory MP who knew Palmer during his time in the armed forces, has been paying a highly emotional tribute to his friends which has moved MPs across all sides of the House. May was emotional too in her response.
As we reflect on what happened, is it time to consider whether the police who guard sensitive sites known to be of interest to terrorists like Parliament or like airports should routinely carry personal protection weapons, even when those officers are not part of the units formally tasked with armed response?
We’ll post the full quotes shortly.
May said that whether particular officers were armed was “an operational matter” for the police. She went on:
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They are the best able to judge the circumstances in which it is best for individuals to have those arms but of course we have seen a significant increase in the number of armed response vehicles, the number of counter terrorism specialists, firearms officers.
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It is a sad reflection of the threat that we face that it has been necessary to do that but we have been doing that.
Theresa May's statement - Summary
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MPs from all sides of the Commons have been praising Theresa May for the tone and the language she used in her statement to the Commons about the Westminster terror attack. It is routine for prime ministers to respond to terrorist killings by saying that democracy will prevail, but May delivered that message this morning with great dignity and sincerity.
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Here are the key points.
Rachel Obordo
May said that attacker was a British-born man who had been investigated in the past in relation to violent extremism, by only as “a peripheral figure”. But he had not been a current suspect, she said.
If you would like to share your reactions and tributes you can do so by clicking the ‘Contribute’ button on the live blog, or by filling in our encrypted form here.
His identity is known to the police and MI5, and when operational considerations allow, he will be publicly identified. What I can confirm is that the man was British born and that – some years ago – he was once investigated by M15 in relation to concerns about violent extremism. He was a peripheral figure. The case is historic – he was not part of the current intelligence picture.
Perhaps you plan on attending the vigil in Trafalgar Square tonight or perhaps have a similar event happening near you.
She said the attackerwas thought to have acted alone and that the police “have no reason to believe there are imminent further attacks on the public”.
We will do our best to ensure your responses are kept secure and confidential, and we’ll feature a selection of contributions in our ongoing reporting.
She said the “working assumption” was that the attacker was “inspired by Islamist ideology”.
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She gave details of the nationalities of those injured on Westminster Bridge. Two people were killed and about 40 more were injured, she said:
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In addition to 12 Britons admitted to hospital, we know that the victims include three French children, two Romanians, four South Koreans, one German, one Pole, one Irish, one Chinese, one Italian, one American and two Greeks.
Here are some more quotes from MPs who have been speaking during the statement.
She said the police would increase the number of patrols in cities “as a precautionary measure”.
Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, said the act of terror had failed.
She described the attack as “an attack on free people everywhere”.
As an act of terror it has failed. It has failed because we are here and we are going to go about our business. It failed because, as the prime minister so rightly said, we are not going to allow this to be used as a pretext for division, hatred and Islamophobia.
She said the “best response to terrorism” was for people to carry with their lives as normal.
Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader, said the UK was united against terrorism.
It is in these actions – millions of acts of normality – that we find the best response to terrorism.
We must not allow anyone to try and divide our country on the basis of faith or nationality after these attacks. The reality is that across London, across the country, we are a country united against these attacks.
A response that denies our enemies their victory. That refuses to let them win. That shows we will never give in.
Dominic Grieve, the Conservative chair of the intelligence and security committee, said it was a “miracle” that the UK had escaped most terror plots in recent years and that “this house is going to have to simply be resolute in accepting that such attacks cannot always be prevented”.
A response driven by that same spirit that drove a husband and father to put himself between us and our attacker, and to pay the ultimate price.
The Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, praised Theresa May for the tone she adopted in her statement, which was “unifying and defiant and with which she really did speak for us all”.
A response that says to the men and women who propagate this hate and evil: you will not defeat us.
The Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts said one attacker could not shut down a city.
One man cannot shut down a city and one man cannot lock down democracy … We must also not react to such a warped ideology with unworthy responses.
I’ve taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.
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Josh Halliday
Rowena Mason
One of the Edge Hill University students who was struck by the terrorist’s 4x4 has this morning thanked the emergency services. Owen Lambert, 18, was was on Westminster Bridge when the vehicle ploughed into pedestrians, killing two and leaving dozens more injured.
No 10 would not say precisely when the attacker was last investigated by MI5. Theresa May’s spokesman would only say it was “some years” ago in response to repeated questions about when, why and how the intelligence agencies have monitored him in the past.
Owen, who received stitches for a head wound, said on Thursday: “Battered and bruised but doing fine, massive thanks to Metropolitan Police and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for helping me through this ordeal and an even bigger thanks to all my family and friends for supporting me every step of the way.”
The spokesman also refused to say whether May believes there have been any failings by the security services in their decision not to continue monitoring him.
His fellow student, Travis Frain, suffered a cracked rib plus hand and arm injuries. His mother, Angela Frain, said last night that he was “okay” and in “good spirits”. He is expected to remain in hospital for several days.
However, Downing Street did confirm that the prime minister intends to stick to her plan of triggering article 50 on Wednesday next week.
The students were among a group of 13 undergraduates and a lecturer from Edge Hill University in Ormskirk on the first day of a two-day field trip to Parliament.Nine of the students are expected to return to Ormskirk later on Thursday.
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Responding to Corbyn, May paid tribute both to the support received from France and to the bravery of the police. She said France too had “felt the horror and trauma of terrible terrorist attacks.”
Police officers like Keith Palmer put their lives on the line every day, she said.
Every day, when they put on that uniform, they don’t know what they are going to confront in the course of their duties that day.
It’s a fact often forgotten when people see the police officer walking on the streets that actually they do put their lives on the line for our safety and security. They show enormous bravery and we are grateful to them all.
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Here is the statement from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, where he called the attack “an appalling atrocity” but urged people not to rush to judgment.
What happened yesterday was an appalling atrocity. Today, we are united by our humanity, by our democratic values and by that human impulse for solidarity to stand together in times of darkness and adversity.
I express my condolences to the family and friends of PC Keith Palmer, who gave his life yesterday in defence of the public and our democracy – and to the loved ones of those still in a critical condition including the French schoolchildren visiting our capital from Concarneau in Brittany.
The injured include people of ten nationalities. Innocent people were killed yesterday walking across Westminster Bridge as many millions of Londoners and tourists have done before them.
I thank all the dedicated NHS staff working to save lives, including those from St Thomas’ Hospital who rushed out to help those in need. We are grateful for the public service workers who yesterday, today and every day they pull on their uniforms.
It behoves us all not to rush to judgement, but to wait for the police to establish the facts. We must stay united in our communities and not to allow fear or the voices of hatred to divide or cower us.
It is by demonstrating our values of solidarity, community, humanity and love that we will defeat the poison and division of hatred.
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Attacker's car was rented from Enterprise in Birmingham area
Jamie Grierson
The attacker rented a car from an Enterprise branch within the Birmingham city area, sources have told the Guardian.
The Hyundai Tucson used by the attacker was rented from an Enterprise branch on Spring Hill passage in Birmingham, one mile from the property raided last night on Hagley Road, the Guardian understands.
A spokesperson for Enterprise Holdings said: “We can confirm that the car used in the tragic attack in London yesterday afternoon was one of ours.
“An employee identified the vehicle after seeing the licence plate in an image online. We ran another check to verify, and immediately contacted the authorities.
“We are cooperating fully with the authorities and will provide any assistance that we can to the investigation.
“Our thoughts are very much with the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
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Angus Robertson, the SNP Westminster leader, praised the prime minister for her statement.
May says that, as home secretary, there were two events every year that brought home to her how brave the police are. They were the national police service memorial day and the police bravery awards. What always struck her, she says, was how officers, when asked about what they did, just said they were doing their job.
Today of all days we are reminded that, notwithstanding our differences on political and constitutional issues, we are as one in our dedication to democracy, the rule of law and harmony between peoples of all faiths and none.
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Does she agree with me that no terrorist outrage is representative of any faith or faith community and we recommit ourselves to strengthening the bonds of tolerance and understanding?
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In the days to come I hope we will remember the love and bravery of the victim, not just the hatred and cowardice of the attackers.
Queen offers "thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy" after attack
Others paying tribute in the house include the former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, former cabinet minister Theresa Villiers, former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron.
The Queen has said her “thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy” are with all those who have been affected by yesterday’s “awful violence”.
Liberal Democrats leader @timfarron "Those who attack us hate our freedom, our peaceful democracy, our love of country" #London #Westminster pic.twitter.com/BednQLh839
Queen Elizabeth had been due to open the new Metropolitan police building this morning, but the ceremony has been cancelled.
She went on: “I know I speak for everyone in expressing my enduring thanks and admiration for the members of the Metropolitan Police Service and all who work so selflessly to help and protect others.”
Message from The Queen to @metpoliceuk pic.twitter.com/8v7jEDeZip
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Theresa May's statement - further key extracts
Witnesses yesterday described seeing a woman pulled from the river after the carnage on Westminster bridge, who is alive but in a serious condition.
Here are more extracts from Theresa May’s statement.
It has since emerged she was a Romanian tourist celebrating her boyfriend’s birthday in London.
Since June 2013 our police, security and intelligence agencies have successfully disrupted 13 separate terrorist plots in Britain.
Romanian Ambassador Dan Mihalache told Realitatea TV that the woman sustained serious head injuries and has badly damaged lungs. Her boyfriend suffered a foot fracture. The pair haven’t been named yet.
Mr Speaker, in terms of security here in Westminster, we should be clear first of all that an attacker attempted to break into Parliament and was shot dead within twenty yards of the gates. If his intention was to gain access to this building, we should be clear that he did not succeed.The police heroically did their job. But as is routine, the police together with the House authorities are reviewing the security of the Parliamentary estate, co-ordinated with the Cabinet Office, who have responsibility for the security measures in place around the Government secure zone. All of us in this House have a responsibility for the security and safety of our staff and advice is available for Members who need it.
“They were tourists, unfortunately they were unlucky. They had come to celebrate his birthday.” He said the pair planned to wed,” Mihalache said.
Mr Speaker, yesterday we saw the worst of humanity, but we will remember the best.
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We will remember the extraordinary efforts to save the life of PC Keith Palmer, including those by my Rt Hon Friend the Member for Bournemouth East.
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And we will remember the exceptional bravery of our police, security and emergency services who once again ran towards the danger even as they encouraged others to move the other way ...
The Conservative MP James Cleverly sounded close to tears as he paid tribute to PC Keith Palmer in the chamber a few minutes ago. He said he first met him 25 years ago as Gunner Keith Palmer at the Royal Artillery HQ.
Mr Speaker, a lot has been said since terror struck London yesterday. Much more will be said in the coming days. But the greatest response lies not in the words of politicians, but in the everyday actions of ordinary people. For beyond these walls today – in scenes repeated in towns and cities across the country –millions of people are going about their days and getting on with their lives. The streets are as busy as ever. The offices full. The coffee shops and cafes bustling. As I speak millions will be boarding trains and aeroplanes to travel to London, and to see for themselves the greatest city on Earth.
He was a strong, professional public servant and it was a delight to meet him here again only a few months after being elected. Would [Theresa May] in recognition of the work that he did and the other police officers and public servants in the House do consider recognising his gallantry and sacrifice formally with a posthumous recognition?
It is in these actions – millions of acts of normality – that we find the best response to terrorism. A response that denies our enemies their victory. That refuses to let them win. That shows we will never give in. A response driven by that same spirit that drove a husband and father to put himself between us and our attacker, and to pay the ultimate price. A response that says to the men and women who propagate this hate and evil: you will not defeat us. Mr Speaker, let this be the message from this House and this nation today: our values will prevail. And I commend this statement to the House.
May said the idea would “of course be considered in due course”.
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Greece 'unaware' citizens had been injured until PM's statement
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Helena Smith
Theresa May's statement – key extracts
Theresa May’s announcement that two Greeks were among the 12 injured has caught authorities in Athens at least by surprise.
Rowena Mason
While the Greek ministry of foreign affairs had strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act,” there was no suggestion that Greeks were among the victims.
Here are key extracts from Theresa May’s statement.
A press officer at the Greek embassy in London said staff has only been made aware when the British prime minister announced it in parliament.
Yesterday an act of terrorism tried to silence our democracy. But today we meet as normal, as generations have done before us and as future generations will continue to do, to deliver a simple message: we are not afraid and our resolve will never waver in the face ofterrorism.
“It came as a surprise. We had not been made aware of it by the Metropolitian police earlier this morning,” the officer, Claire Koltsida, told the Guardian.
And we meet here in the oldest of all parliaments because we know democracy and the values it entails will always prevail. Those values free speech, liberty, human rights and rule of law are embodied here in this place and shared by free people around the world.
“We now know it was a couple who suffered light injuries and took themselves off in a private capacity to the hospital. We hope to know more later today.”
A terrorist came to the place where people of all nationalities and culture gather to celebrate what it means to be free. He took out his rage indiscriminately on men, women and children. This was an attack on free people everywhere and on behalf of the British people I would like to thank our friends and allies around the world who have made it clear they stand with us.
What happened on the streets of Westminster sickened us all. While there is an ongoing police investigation, the House will understand there are limits to what I can say but having been updated by police and security officials let me set out what at this stage I can tell the house.
At approximately 2.40pm yesterday a single attacker drove his vehicle at speed into innocent pedestrians crossing Westminster Bridge, killing two people and injuring around 40 more. In addition to 12 Britons admitted to hospital, we know the victims include three French children, two Romanians, four South Koreans, one German, one Pole, one Irish, one Chinese, one Italian, one American and two Greeks. We are in close contacts with the governments of the countries of all those affected.
The injured also included three police officers returning from an event to recognise their bravery ... Two of those three remain in a serious condition. The attacker then left the vehicle and approached a police officer at Carriage Gates, attacking that officer with a large knife before he was shot dead by an armed police officer. Tragically 48 year old PC Keith Palmer was killed.
He was every inch a hero and his actions will never be forgotten.
I can confirm police have searched six addresses and made eight arrests in Birmingham and London. It is still believed this attacker acted alone and police have no reason to believe there are imminent further attacks on the public. His identity is known to the police and MI5.
When operational considerations allow he will be publicly identified.
What I can confirm is the man was British born and that some years ago he was once investigated by MI5 in relation to concerns about violent extremism. He was a peripheral figure. The case is historic. He is not part of the current intelligence picture.
There was no prior intelligence of his intent or the plot. Intensive investigations continue …
Our working assumption is that the attacker was inspired by Islamist ideology. We know the threat from Islamist terrorism is very real. But while the public should remain utterly vigilant they should not and will not be cowed by this threat.
We are stepping up policing to reassure the public and as a precautionary measure it will mean increasing patrols in cities across the country, with more police and more armed police on the streets.
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Corbyn says the injured include people from 10 nationalities. We send them our best wishes, he says.
He urges people to look after each other, to help one another and think of one another.
It is by looking after each other that we will defeat the poison and hatred.
