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James Cleverly pays emotional tribute to ‘strong, professional public servant’ and friend PC Keith Palmer
Pc Keith Palmer was killed in Westminster yesterday. Picture: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA WIRE - Credit: PA
James Cleverly paid an emotional tribute to his friend PC Keith Palmer who was killed in the grounds of Houses of Parliament and made a call for posthumous recognition.
The Braintree MP's voice cracked as he described the former gunner as a 'strong, professional public servant'.
The Essex MP told MPs that the pair had met 25 years ago at the headquarters battery of the 100 regiment of the Royal Artillery.
Mr Cleverly, a reservist who became an MP in 2015, asked prime minister Theresa May to consider recognising his 'gallentry and sacrifice'
Mrs May told MPs that it would be considered in due course.
Conservative MP James Cleverly after paying an emotional tribute to his friend Pc Keith Palmer, telling the Commons he was a "strong, professional public servant" PA Wire - Credit: PA
He spoke after Mrs May has told the House of Commons that parliament was sending out the message following Wednesday's attack: 'We will never waver in the face of terrorism.'
The Prime Minister addressed MPs as they gathered at the usual time inside the Palace of Westminster, which a day before had come under attack from a knife-wielding terrorist.
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An hour after MPs had stood for a minute's silence in honour of the innocent people killed in the attack, Mrs May delivered a statement with details of the atrocity.
Paying tribute to Pc Keith Palmer, who died after being stabbed, she said: 'He was every inch a hero and his actions will never be forgotten.'
Flowers and a photo of Pc Keith Palmer on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament in London, after seven people were arrested in raids in London, Birmingham Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Mr Cleverly said: 'Whilst our hearts go to all those people who were wounded and murdered yesterday, and to all the people who sought to help them, with your indulgence sir I would like to turn just a moment to PC Keith Palmer, who I first met 25 years ago as gunner Keith Palmer at headquarters battery 100 regiment Royal Artillery.
'He was a strong, professional public servant and it was delight to meet him here again only a few months after being elected. Would my right honourable friend the prime minister, in recognition of the work that he did, and the other police officers and other public servants here in the house do consider recognising his gallantry and sacrifice formally with a posthumous recognition
Mrs May said praised Mr Cleverly for the passion with which he had spoken about PC Palmer. On posthumous recognition, Mrs May said: 'It will considered of course in due course.'
