CARDRONA-based MP Calum Kerr has defiantly vowed that work must go on after being caught up in the drama of Wednesday’s terror attack on Westminster.

The MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk told the Peeblesshire News how he saw the tragic events unfold and paid tribute to the victims, parliamentary staff  and emergency services.

At the time of the event, he was walking from his office in London to the House of Commons.

He said: “I was coming across from Portcullis House as a vote had been called. Suddenly there was panic and people were running towards me shouting ‘shots fired’.

“Then armed police started running towards me heading towards Portcullis House. I headed across towards the main chamber and saw what appeared to be two bodies down in New Palace Yard, surrounded by people who looked to be treating them.

“We were ushered inside and put into lockdown for several hours. We were then evacuated to Speaker’s Chair before being allowed to leave on Wednesday evening. 

“I attended a minute’s silence on Thursday to remember those killed in the attack. 

“There’s nothing that I can say that will fully describe the respect I feel for the courage and professionalism shown by staff on the Parliamentary estate and the emergency services — particularly those members of the police who are charged with guarding democracy and who today are grieving for the loss of one of their number. 

“My thoughts go out to the friends and loved ones of all who are now dealing with the awful outcome of this act. But the best way that we can pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in this mindless act of violence is to carry on with the day-to-day functioning of democracy. 

“The mood of calm defiance in Parliament on Thursday is shared across all parties, amongst staff, MPs and security personnel. It has been a profoundly moving experience to see both Houses of Parliament up and running again: refusing to allow this event to change who we are or how we carry ourselves. 

“As a politician who works in the heart of a city like London, in a world where events are so unpredictable, you’re acutely aware that such events might take place. But that still doesn’t prepare you for the terrible shock of witnessing the reality.

“Wednesday’s event is a deeply tragic reminder that my job — representing the voters of my constituency at Westminster — is only possible due to the work of those whose job it is to keep us all safe. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

“So our offices remain open, Parliament sat on Thursday morning and I will be sticking to my own schedule. In doing so I feel more privileged than ever to be here speaking up for my own part of the country. That work must go on.”

Tweeddale MP David Mundell was also in Westminster at the time of the attack. He said: “My thoughts are with all of those who have been caught up in this incident.

“My huge thanks go to the police for all that they do to keep us safe.”

Four people have died following Wednesday’s attack, including a police officer, the attacker, a woman in her mid 40s and a man in his mid 50s.

The man and woman were killed on Westminster Bridge as a number of pedestrians were mowed down by a grey Hyundai i40, before the attacker (who was driving) crashed the vehicle into railings encircling the Palace of Westminster. 

Armed with two large knives, the attacker jumped out of the car and then ran through the gates of the Palace of Westminster and stabbed the police officer.

The attacker was shot dead moments later by another officer.

Seven people are known to be in a critical condition, and 29 have been treated in hospital. One woman ended up in the Thames and was treated for serious injuries after being pulled from the water.

The Scottish Parliament, which at the time of the attack was chairing a debate on a second independence referendum in Holyrood, suspended talks on Wednesday afternoon. Talks are set to resume on Tuesday, March 28.