The London Assembly today condemned the attack on Westminster during an emergency meeting at City Hall.
A motion, agreed unanimously, said terrorists will not change London’s democratic way of life or undermine Londoners’ tolerance and solidarity.
During the meeting, Assembly Members offered their condolences to those affected by the attack and expressed their gratitude to the emergency services.
Tony Arbour AM, Chairman of the London Assembly, who proposed the motion, said:
“The Assembly gathered today in great sadness and reflected on yesterday’s tragic events. As Londoners, we watched in disbelief and horror, as peace was shattered in our capital.
The thoughts of the Assembly are with those who were injured and with the families of those who lost their loved ones. We commend the work of emergency services, in particular PC Keith Palmer, who lost his life to protect others.
This is a time for Londoners to show solidarity and we do so by not allowing terrorists to succeed in their aims to destroy our way of life.”
Len Duvall AM, who seconded the motion said:
“First and foremost my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of those who died, and all of those who were affected by yesterday’s atrocities.
PC Keith Palmer, a father and a husband, died in the line of duty not only protecting Londoners, but the values of democracy and free speech that Londoners stand for.
We need to reinvigorate our actions against the evils of extremism in its many forms.
London will continue to be the best city in the world: open, diverse, and welcoming. I have a clear message for those who seek to use terror and hate to divide us – you will fail.”
The full text of the Motion is:
“The London Assembly wishes to record on behalf of Londoners its condemnation of the attack in Westminster on 22 March, together with Londoners’ clear determination that terrorists will never succeed in affecting our democratic way of life or undermining Londoners’ tolerance and solidarity; and how we value the diversity of London’s communities.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of PC Keith Palmer; a serving police officer tragically murdered whilst bravely doing his duty to protect our city.
We extend our sympathies to the relatives and friends of those killed in this tragic incident; as well as sending heartfelt thoughts to those who have been injured.
We express our very real thanks and gratitude to the emergency services – the Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Service – together with London’s medical services for their magnificent, brave and reassuring response under difficult circumstances.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Tony Arbour AM, Chairman of the London Assembly, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.