Politicians respond to attack on Westminster

Bournemouth MP Tobias Elwood attempts to resuscitate the injured policeman - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

MPs and peers will return to work today at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster after proceedings were halted yesterday by an attack on the institution by a man wielding a knife.

An assailant drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before attempting to make his way into the Parliamentary estate.

The Commons and Lords will sit this morning as planned, with Theresa May expected to make a statement to MPs.

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Last night the Prime Minster said the attack which left five people dead including policeman Keith Palmer, was "sick and depraved" but politicians and the public would "come together as normal".

"These streets of Westminster - home to the world's oldest Parliament - are ingrained with a spirit of freedom that echoes in some of the furthest corners of the globe," she said.

"And the values our Parliament represents - democracy, freedom, human rights, the rule of law - command the admiration and respect of free people everywhere. That is why it is a target for those who reject those values.

"But let me make it clear today, as I have had cause to do before, any attempt to defeat those values through violence and terror is doomed to failure."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to police and emergency services. 

"Our thoughts are with those who suffered loss and those that have seen terrible injuries this afternoon," he said.

It is thought among those injured on Westminster bridge were three French schoolchildren and two Romanians, while five South Koreans were injured as people tried to flee.

In a message of solidarity French President Francois Hollande said: "terrorism concerns us all and France knows how the British people are suffering today."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also spoke of solidarity.

"My thoughts, as I'm sure the thoughts of everybody in Scotland tonight, are with people caught up in this dreadful event.

"My condolences in particular go to those who've lost loved ones.

"My thoughts are with those who've sustained injuries and we all feel a sense of solidarity with the people of London tonight."

Scottish Parliament proceedings were suspended last night but Sturgeon added there was no intelligence of any risk in Scotland.