Barry Gardiner: It’s right not to name Westminster attacker after ‘shameful and vile’ terror killings

Brent North MP Barry Gardiner has praised police and condemned the “sordid, shameful and vile” terrorist attack in Westminster yesterday.

The shadow international trade secretary also said it was “absolutely right” that the suspect in the attack has not been named.

He said: “Everything has to be seen to get back to normal as quickly as possible so that people realise that this sort of attack is ultimately a futile gesture.

“The attacker caused the most appalling carnage in the lives of 20 to 25 families.

“I think everyone in Parliament will want to pay tribute to the security services and the police and how they responded yesterday, and the officer who tragically died.”

Four people were killed and dozens injured in the attack on Westminster Bridge and outside the Palace of Westminster yesterday in what is being treated as an act of Islamic terrorism.

Mr Gardiner added: “I think the police have been absolutely right not to release details of the attacker, to give it no publicity.

“What happened yesterday was sordid, shameful and vile.”

He also wrote a tribute to Pc Keith Palmer, who died protecting Parliament.

His Twitter post read: “As I go to sleep tonight it is with profound thanks to PC Keith Palmer & all our security officers.

“And profound sorrow for all the victims.”