MP Kate Green spoke of her “huge sadness” about the terror attack in Westminster that killed four people – but said parliament’s business as usual approach showed terrorism would not “drive us away in fear”.

On Wednesday March 22, British-born jihadi Khalid Masood killed four people, including a police officer, in the horrific attack in central London.

PC Keith Palmer, a 48-year-old husband and father, was stabbed outside the Houses of Parliament, while MPs were swiftly put into lock-down.

MPs returned to the chambers the following day, holding a minute’s silence before business for the day begun.

In her blog, Ms Green said that MPs had decided that, in the aftermath of the attack, the best way to defeat terrorism and fear was to carry on living lives as normal.

“And so, parliament has been doing exactly that, with the usual questions, meetings, and debates,” she said.

“But I must express my huge sadness at the awful events that took place on Wednesday, my deep sympathy for the victims, their families and friends, and my thanks to the emergency services and parliamentary staff who acted so bravely, calmly and impressively.

“Politicians are especially distressed at the news of PC Keith Palmer's death. You may have read the tributes to the police in parliament, how friendly, courteous and caring they are. They're our friends, we chat with them, we go to them for help, and every good thing you read about them is true. To lose someone who's such a special part of our own Westminster family is felt very deeply by us all.

“On Thursday morning, parliament heard a statement by the prime minister about the events on Wednesday. Thursday is often a quiet day in the chamber, as many MPs are away on external visits, or back home in the constituency.

“But this time, the place was packed. We all wanted to show our solidarity, defiance, and to send a united message to those who practise terror that they can't divide our country and our communities, or drive us away in fear.”

Ms Green went on to attend a committee session about new tax regulations, a debate about compensation for former Equitable Life insurance policy holders, and another debate to hear about educational opportunity.

“Just what the terrorists don't want,” she added. “Business as usual.”