This afternoon an MP was close to tears as he remembered his friend

On Thursday, the House of Commons met once again and opened the sitting with speeches and eulogies to the Keith Palmer, the police officer who was stabbed to death in the grounds of Westminster on Wednesday.

Palmer was one of four fatalities during a terrorist attack, in which 40 people were also injured.

The attacker who stabbed him was shot dead by armed officers moments after.

Among those MPs from all sides of the House offering their condolences to Palmer's family, and their thanks for his protection and that offered by the police, was the James Cleverly MP for Braintree.

In a tearful speech, Cleverly revealed he had known Palmer prior to their time together at Westminster.

Whilst our hearts go out to all those people who were wounded and murdered yesterday and to all people who sought to help them – with your indulgence sir I’d like just a moment to turn to PC Keith Palmer who I first met 25 years ago as Gunner Keith Palmer At Headquarters Battery 100 Richmond, Royal Artillery.

He was a strong professional public servant and it was a delight to meet him here again only a few months after being elected.

Would my right honourable friend 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?

In response, the Prime Minister concurred with Cleverly's sentiments.

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