YP Comment: Westminster's show of defiance

THE poignancy was palpable as thousands linked hands on Westminster Bridge exactly one week after such a violent terrorist attack. Standing shoulder to shoulder with police officers mourning their fallen colleague Keith Palmer whose protective clothing offered insufficient protection from his knife-wielding murderer, wellwishers of all faiths showed that London '“ and Britain '“ will never succumb to terrorists, like the radicalised Khalid Masood, and other extremists who seek, misguidedly, to divide this great country.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with police officers mourning their fallen colleague Keith Palmer whose protective clothing offered insufficient protection from his knife-wielding murderer, wellwishers of all faiths showed that London – and Britain – will never succumb to terrorists, like the radicalised Khalid Masood, and other extremists who seek, misguidedly, to divide this great country.

It was fitting that those present included the emergency services, and staff from the nearby St Thomas’s Hospital, who were among the first to assist the stricken. Last week’s horror saw the worst of mankind followed by the best of humanity – whether it be the public’s immediate response to the tragedy or countless small gestures which signify a wider appreciation of the risks faced by the police. Such vigils will only strengthen this country’s resolve.