Lucas Speaks Of Dealing With ‘Real Threat’ Balanced With Desire For ‘Open Society’

Local MP Ian Lucas has posted his thoughts after yesterday’s terror attack in Westminster, offering sympathy to those bereaved, and praising security staff.

Yesterday Mr Lucas was in the Chamber in London while the attack took place meters away, and was under ‘lock down’ for several hours after the incident.

This morning Mr Lucas placed the above picture on social media saying: “A grey, eerie morning in Westminster. Thinking of those who have lost loved ones.”

Later he wrote a longer statement, copied below:

“Thanks to those who have been in touch about yesterday’s dreadful events. I was in the Chamber and the voting lobby throughout the attack and saw and heard nothing myself. I had walked past the scene of the attack a few minutes before, on my way to vote. I come in through Carriage Gates to New Palace Yard every morning. We know the police, security staff and doorkeepers extremely well and their handling of a terrible situation was, for me, exemplary.

“There will always be lessons to be learned after investigations have been completed but it is imperative that we continue to have an open, welcoming Parliament. MPs shared this dreadful experience with our staff, visitors and tourists and most people were patient, sensible and mutually supportive throughout the day.

“I have been close to a terror attack before. In today’s world, we all know that they take place. It is my responsibility to ensure that we have an open society but we must do the best we can to protect innocent lives too. The fact that, as I write, innocent people died on the bridge I can see before me only yesterday shows me how real that threat remains.

“My deepest sympathies to those bereaved.”