The afternoon of 22nd March began just like most others. We had all been in the Chamber for Prime Minister’s Questions. I had returned to my office to get on with some work when the bell rang for a vote in the House of Commons. As my office is some distance from the Chamber and we have only a few minutes in which to vote, my concern as ever was to get to the Division Lobby in time. I therefore didn’t take too much notice when I ran past the Speaker’s chair and was told by another MP that he had just heard gunshots. I know from my time working in Downing Street that people often misinterpret cars backing firing and heavy loads being dropped as gunshots.

It was clear though by the time I returned to the Chamber that there had been a serious incident. We were all instructed to remain in the Chamber for our own security. As time went on, the details of what had happened filtered through to us. 

Of course we were all safe in the Chamber, but were kept there for several more hours whilst the police and security services ensured that there were no other attackers at large.

The next day we came together in the Commons for one minute’s silence and the Prime Minster updated us on the situation. All our thoughts and prayers were with the victims of the attack, but in particular the family of PC Palmer. He paid with his life defending the Houses of Parliament. His tragic death is a sad and solemn reminder of the debt of gratitude we all owe the police – ordinary men and women who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, courage and duty in putting their lives on the line everyday to keep us all safe.

• This article appeared in the May edition of MyRadlett and MyBushey News