‘Our democracy won’t be deterred by terrorist threat’ – Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland speaks from inside locked-down parliament after Westminster attack

A crashed car on Bridge Street by the Palace of Westminster, London, after a policeman has been stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers in a major security incident at the Houses of Parliament. Pic Kathy Casatelli/PA Wire

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland has said terrorism will not stop MPs carrying on with governing the country after this afternoon’s terrorist attack on the Houses of Parliament.

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Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland said he saw 'brave police officers and security pulling public inside to safety'. Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland said he saw 'brave police officers and security pulling public inside to safety'.

MPs, parliamentary staff and members of the public have been locked down inside the Palace of Westminster, with Mr McPartland telling the Comet from inside the building: “The mood is just shock here that this has happened.

“My thoughts go out to the families of all those who have been injured or have lost their lives.

“It just reminds us what targets we are. We’re just out there in the community trying to go about our business and then someone can do something like this.

“We don’t know what the reason for this attack is yet, but we know violence doesn’t solve anything and the only way to deal with problems is by negotiation.

“We have a way of life and when parliament meets again we will carry on with our business. There’s no way we will let it get in the way of what we do.”

Reports indicate that a car ploughed into pedestrians while driving across Westminster Bridge before smashing into the perimeter wall outside parliament, with a group of people then rushing the gates in a bid to get away from the attack.

A police officer was stabbed and armed police shot the attacker.

Members of the public were helped to safety inside the Houses of Parliament – where they are still locked inside, with security and police guarding the surrounding area.