Burnley MP vows that evil will be defeated

Shocked but defiant Burnley MP Julie Cooper has vowed that the country will stand resolute in the face of terror following Wednesday's deadly London attack, which played out within earshot of her Westminster office.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Mar 2017, 09:32 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:56 BST
Burnley MP Julie CooperBurnley MP Julie Cooper
Burnley MP Julie Cooper

The Labour MP was in her office in Portcullis House when the attacker struck on Wednesday afternoon, fatally stabbing one police officer and mowing down several people on Westminster Bridge in a car.

Mrs Cooper said: “There are few words to express the shock and sympathy which I feel for all of those who lost loved ones or have been injured by the dreadful events of Wednesday.

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“Innocent people going about their business in Westminster, whose lives have been forever changed or taken from them.

“Our debt of gratitude to the emergency services is immense and in particular we pay tribute to the brave police officer Keith Palmer who laid his life on the line and did not return home to his loving family.

“This was an act of pure evil, designed to make us live with fear. It will not succeed – we will grieve, we will never forget but we will never give in.”

Four people in total were killed and many more injured as a result of the attack.

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Police arrested seven people on Thursday morning following raids in London, Birmingham and other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, police in Lancashire have reassured residents about specific threats in the county but urged the public to report anything suspicious.

Supt Damian Darcy said: “I speak on behalf of everybody in Lancashire Constabulary when I say our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the Metropolitan Police officer killed and all those affected by Wednesday’s events in Westminster.

“Although the role of a police officer naturally carries risk, it is still shocking and deeply upsetting for the police family as a whole when events such as today’s unfold.

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“We are now reviewing deployments across Lancashire but we would like to reassure residents that we do not believe there to be any specific threat to any area or location in the county.

“However, as always, we ask all members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to us on 101 or via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”

Related topics:BurnleyLondonLabourPoliceLancashire