Two security reviews to look into Westminster terror attack

Two reviews into security at Parliament will take place following the terror attack at Westminster, Speaker John Bercow has told MPs.

An independent review will look into how the perimeter fence surrounding the Parliamentary estate is secured after Khalid Masood, armed with a knife, ran into New Palace Yard and murdered PC Keith Palmer last Wednesday.

Mr Bercow also revealed there will be a second externally-led review into how Parliament responds to major incidents following the attack, in which four people were killed.

Speaking in the Commons, he said: "As would be normal after such events, we are seeking to make sure that any lessons are learned, through two reviews.

"The Lord Speaker and I are commissioning an external independent review of how the perimeter of the Parliamentary Estate – including outbuildings – is secured and protected, to produce a preliminary report by the end of April.

"The two clerks are commissioning an externally-led lessons-learned review of the operation last week of Parliament’s Incident Management Framework, to report by the end of June."

Mr Bercow offered tributes to the bravery of PC Palmer, who died after trying to stop Masood from entering Parliament during the attack.

He said: "Members will also be aware that 2.40pm today marks a week on from the shocking events of last week, and our thoughts will be in particular with the Metropolitan Police as they mourn their colleague PC Keith Palmer."

Police officers held a minute’s silence outside New Scotland Yard on Wednesday, a week after the terror attack.

Acting Met Police Commissioner Craig Mackey said: "This afternoon is about remembering the victims of last week’s events.

"Our thoughts, our prayers, go out to everyone who was affected by the events last week.

"I would urge you, if you get time, to go on to the bridge, talk to Londoners, talk and get a feel for this great city and how it’s come together in responding to these events."

Prince William paid tribute to PC Palmer as he laid a wreath in his honour at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

The Duke of Cambridge bowed his head in respect after placing the wreath on a metal bench at the foot of a traditional blue police lamp.

A hand-written note read: "For PC Keith Palmer and all those who have served our community so valiantly; your legacy is our way of life. William."

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will join families of the victims of the terror attack next Wednesday at Westminster Abbey for a "Service of Hope".

(c) Sky News 2017: Two security reviews to look into Westminster terror attack