Tory MP James Cleverly has paid an emotional tribute to “strong, professional” friend PC Keith Palmer who was knifed to death during a terror attack on Westminster.
The Braintree MP held back tears as he recalled the moment he met PC Palmer 25 years ago as "Gunner Keith Palmer" in the military, he told the House of Commons on Thursday.
Mr Cleverly said: "He was a strong, professional public servant and it was a delight to meet him again only a few months after being elected."
He then requested the Prime Minister Theresa May honoured the hero officer posthumously for his “gallant” actions as he battled to stop a knifeman entering Parliament Square.
Mr Cleverly added: "Whilst our hearts go to all those people who were wounded and murdered yesterday, and to all the people who sought to help them, with your indulgence I'd like to turn for just a moment to Pc Keith Palmer, who I first met 25 years ago as Gunner Keith Palmer, at headquarters, Battery 100 Regiment, Royal Artillery.
"Would the Prime Minister, in recognition of the work that he did and the other police officers and public servants here in the House do, consider recognising his gallantry and sacrifice formally with a posthumous recognition?"
The married father was unarmed when he was stabbed by the lone attacker who was then shot dead by police after mowing down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge on Wednesday.
Tributes for Westminster & Parliament Attack
Responding to Mr Cleverly, Mrs May said: "I thank him for the obvious, not just compassion, but passion with which he has spoken about an individual he knew, and he bears witness to the tremendous public service that Keith Palmer had given this country in so many ways.
"Having served in our armed forces and then come here to this place and paid the ultimate sacrifice here at the heart of our democracy, I can assure (Mr Cleverly) that the issue that he's raised is of course one that will be considered in due course."
PC Palmer, 48, has been hailed “lovely” and “wonderful” by distraught friends and colleagues.
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