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Theresa May set to lead Parliament in show of defiance today as Houses refuse to bow to terror

Theresa May will lead a show of defiance on Thursday as MPs and peers return to Parliament in the wake of the terror attack in Westminster that left four innocent people dead and many more injured.

The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement in the Commons on the horror that unfolded on both sides of the boundary of the Palace of Westminster when a terrorist ploughed into pedestrians before rushing the gates to the estate and killing a police officer.

Both Houses will sit at their usual times in a symbolic move showing that terror cannot bring the country to a halt.

Tributes will be paid to the victims of the attack, including Pc Keith Palmer, 48, who was brutally killed in a knifing.

Mrs May insisted "the forces of evil" would never be allowed "to drive us apart" as she addressed the country from outside No 10 on Wednesday night.

The Prime Minister said the nation would "all move forward together" as she emphasised that any attempt to defeat British values was "doomed to failure".

Mrs May hailed the police officers "who keep us and our democratic institutions safe".

"Once again today, these exceptional men and women ran towards the danger, even as they encouraged others to move the other way," she said.

"That they have lost one of their own in today's attacks only makes their calmness and professionalism under pressure all the more remarkable."

Mrs May said the location of the attack was "no accident" with the terrorist choosing "to strike at the heart of our capital city where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech".

"Let me make it clear today, as I have had cause to do before, any attempt to defeat our values through violence and terror is doomed to failure," she added.

The Commons will sit at 9.30am for questions to International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and a statement from Leader of the House David Lidington, before debates on compensation for Equitable Life policy-holders, social mobility and an incinerator in the Hertfordshire village of Hoddesdon.

Westminster attack - Theresa Mays close call

The Lords will convene at 11am for oral questions on nursery care, support for young carers, premium bonds and famine in Africa before debate on homelessness, science and Brexit.

School trips, tours of the building and and banqueting will be cancelled but access to the public galleries in both houses will be allowed.

A parliamentary spokesman said: "Both Houses will be sitting at their planned times and services to support the business of the Houses will be running as normal.

"There will be no tours, banqueting or education visits. However, public access to parliamentary proceedings will be maintained."

How the Westminster attack unfolded

 

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