MPs slam insulting brass plaque on a canteen door tribute to Westminster hero cop Keith Palmer
MPs have slammed an insulting memorial to hero cop Keith Palmer — a plaque on a canteen door.
Dad Keith, 48, was stabbed to death defending Westminster from a terrorist last year.
The only tribute to his courage is a brass plate on a door to the police mess, in a scruffy corner of the Parliamentary estate.
Tory Andrea Jenkyns said: “It would be an insult to his bravery if this is the only recognition.”
Colleague Nadine Dorries added: “It’s an absolute disgrace.
"Surely we can find the money to provide a decent memorial for a real hero.”
Labour’s Jack Dromey called for the gates to Parliament to be named the Palmer Gates.
A police officer added: “We’re honoured to have our mess named after Keith.
"But it would be a terrible shame if Parliamentary authorities fail to recognise his bravery with a memorial on permanent display for all visitors.”
Labour’s Valerie Vaz, of the House of Commons Commission, is in talks with Keith’s family over a proper, permanent tribute.
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A Parliamentary spokesman said the plaque had been put up with the support of PC Palmer’s widow, who attended the mess for its renaming.
He added: “Parliament has given careful consideration to the suitable way to honour PC Keith Palmer, involving discussion with Keith Palmer’s family, the Metropolitan Police Service and the Police Memorial Trust.
“A memorial is planned which has their support and will be placed on the pavement outside Carriage Gates later this year.”
At Friday’s inquest it was revealed Keith and colleagues were left without support from a “roving” firearms squad for 46 minutes as they tackled attacker Khalid Masood.