MP Helen Jones
Flowers delivered to Warrington police by a member of the public following the Westminister attack
WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones – who was trapped in lockdown in the chamber of the House of Commons during the attack on the Houses of Parliament – today issued a statement.
She said: “Yesterday in Westminster showed us the best and the worst of human nature. We experienced a vile terrorist attack but we also saw the extraordinary bravery and decency of many of our fellow citizens. PC Keith Palmer died defending us, staff from St. Thomas’s Hospital rushed over Westminster Bridge to tend to the injured without thinking they might be running into danger, our magnificent emergency services acted without thought for their own safety.
“While we mourn the dead and pray for those injured we should also remember the good we saw yesterday.
“I am extraordinarily grateful to the House of Commons staff and the police who looked after us yesterday yet, at the same time, I am devastated by the loss of one of our police officers and of other innocent people just going about their daily business.
“Our thoughts and prayers will be with them and their families.”
Ms Jones did not have her mobile phone with her at the time of the attack and had to borrow one from another MP to call her family and office staff in Warrington to let them know she was unharmed.
Warrington South MP David Mowat,who was away from Westminster on ministerial duties at the time of the attack, has also praised the emergency services for their quick response and expressed sympathy with the casualties and their families.
Meanwhile, the Warrington-based Survivors Assistance Network – a free service available to all people in Britain affected by terrorism – says it is available to help any impacted by the Westminster attack.
Nick Taylor, chief executive of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, who manage the service, said anyone affected or worried about relatives should first contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 056 0944 or 0207 158 0010, choosing option 1.
If they were actually involved in the incident they should choose option 2.
But demand on the bureau was likely to be high and people could also call the Survivors Assistance Network (SAN) by Email – [email protected] – phone – 01925 581240 – or via Twitter – @survivors4p
They should bear in mind, however, that SAN was not a 24-hour service.
“We will respond as soon as we can. Our thoughts are with all those affected – you are not alone – we are here to help.”
SAN is based at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre at Great Sankey.
It helps people affected by terrorism to cope and recover by offering health, welfare and social support.
In particular, SAN provides:
• emotional and practical support to individuals and families post-terrorism incident via telephone, email and through face to face visits
• a comprehensive assessment of your needs (individuals and families)
• co-ordination of local and national statutory and non-statutory services to meet the specific needs of individuals and families
• advice to individuals promoting their engagement with relevant and specialist support services including a range of agencies that provide support to those affected.
SAN supports anyone in Britain affected by terrorism and is funded by the Ministry of Justice.
