IT WAS the talk of the chamber, the talk of the corridors, the talk of the offices, cafes and dining rooms. As life returned to some kind of normality at Westminster, the word “terror” was still on everyone’s lips.

Less than 24 hours after the attack at the heart of Britain’s democracy, the shock was still palpable.

People were recounting to friends and colleagues what they were doing and where they were when an ordinary, busy Wednesday at Westminster came to a grinding halt.

By the time the villagers of Westminster were returning to work the morning after the day before, there was still the whirr of helicopters overhead, police officers in their yellow high visibility jackets stationed along the pavements around Parliament and police tape lining the surrounding roads.

In New Palace Yard, the cobbled area outside Westminster Hall, where the terrorist struck with fatal consequences a large blue tent stood still covering the body of PC Keith Palmer.

Parliament Square, normally full of traffic and tourists, was again a peaceful spot of tranquillity with police tape fluttering in the breeze. Occasionally, a Whitehall worker would scurry past the police and fire brigade vans to their office.

At various times, a line of forensic officers in light blue overalls could be seen in a row on their knees, painstakingly scouring the cobbles or on the pavement in Parliament Square.

But by mid afternoon, the blue tent had gone and so too the body of PC Palmer. The area was clear of the debris of the day before; normality was beginning to return to the Commons.

Earlier as flags flew at half-mast, MPs, peers, journalists and office and catering staff observed a minute’s silence for the dead and injured. One or two people standing in corridors and along walkways could be seen with handkerchiefs, dabbing their eyes. Emotions were still running high; on occasions of high drama, it sometimes takes time for the true scale of an event to sink in.

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s appearance in the Commons, was Trade Questions led by Liam Fox, the Secretary of State, who insisted the terrorists would never triumph. “We must ensure that it is not violence, hatred or division but decency, goodness and tolerance that prevail in our country,” he said.

A few minutes in, the SNP’s Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh rose to ask a question and associated herself with Dr Fox’s remarks but then could barely utter the words. The Perthshire MP managed to pose her question but was visibly distressed as she retook her seat.

When it was time for the Prime Minister's statement, the Commons was packed. Up in the gallery was Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French Foreign Minister, who having earlier spoken words of his country’s solidarity with Britain, decided to show it in person too.

Theresa May ran through the details of Wednesday’s terrible events but one, unknown before, stood out; that among the injured were people of 10 different nationalities, underlining what a global city London is.

As Mrs May progressed, spirits stirred she spoke of PC Palmer.

The PM briefly ran through his background as a husband and a father, who had devoted his life to the service of his country, first as solider and then as a member of parliamentary protection team.

“He was every inch a hero and his actions will never be forgotten,” she declared.

It was an occasion for solidarity and not for politicking.

Jeremy Corbyn struck a similarly defiant note, insisting how the country must stay united and “not allow fear or the voices of hatred to divide or cower us”.

Angus Robertson, the SNP leader, speaking in calm and measured tones, declared how “notwithstanding our differences on political and constitutional issues, we are as one in our dedication to democracy, the rule of law and harmony between the peoples of all faiths and none”.

But there was one MP struggling to contain the anguish of PC Palmer's brutal killing.

As burly figure of Tory MP James Cleverley rose to talk about his former Army comrade, the chamber was rapt.

His voice cracking, the Essex MP told MPs how he first met the police constable 25 years ago when he was Gunner Palmer of the 100 Regiment Royal Artillery.

“He was a strong, professional public servant and it was a delight to meet him here again only a few months after being elected," he said. "In recognition of the work that he did and that the other police officers and public servants in the House do, would my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister consider posthumously recognising his gallantry and sacrifice formally?”

Mrs May said it would. During exchanges, a number of MPs praised Tobias Ellwood, the Foreign Office Minister, who, when others were running away from the danger of the knife-wielding terrorist, raced towards the critically injured PC Palmer in a selfless bid to save his life.

Nestled at the far end of the chamber, stood the Bournemouth MP. He was unnoticed by many. But as members shuffled past to leave the chamber, several paused where Mr Ellwood stood. A procession warmly took his hand.

While the word “terror” might have been on most people’s lips, there was a clear sense of defiance in the 'Westminster bubble' that had been pierced on Wednesday.

But in the face of huge sadness for those killed and injured by a senseless, futile act of evil. It was case of keep calm and carry on.