Three Kent MPs were among 30 Conservatives who voted last night against the government over military action in Syria.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, along with Gravesham MP Adam Holloway and Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson were among those who refused to support a government motion that supported the principle of military intervention.

The defeat has led some to criticise the government's approach to the crisis and the Prime Minister's authority has also been called into question.

Tracey Crouch, who made clear her reservations at the outset, said: "The use of chemical weapons is deplorable and we must stop their use.

"My view and the views of my constituents is that we should not be using a military strike to prevent chemical weapons. We should not be getting involved in another war in the middle East."

Adam Holloway, a member of the Commons select committee on defence, said: "David Cameron is a sincere man who believes in this and I am very disappointed to have played a part in him losing this critical vote but I am pleased that it makes it less likely that we will get involved in a war in Syria."

Gordon Henderson said he felt the government motion was cynical and designed to provide backing for American-led action before the matter had been fully debated by the United Nations:

"If there's proof the Syrian regime have used chemical weapons, it's a matter for the United Nations to take action, not the US or Britain. I do not think Britain should be getting involved in yet another middle Eastern war. It has wider repercussions for the stability of the area, including the relationship between Israel and Palestine."

He added: "Sometimes MPs have to take a decision contrary to their constituents but on this occasion I had the almost unanimous support of mine."

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier voted with the government but said he remained cautious and said he was concerned if military action did not put a halt to the use of chemical weapons.

"Sometimes MPs have to take a decision contrary to their constituents but on this occasion I had the almost unanimous support of mine" - Adam Holloway

"What if missiles had been dropped and the next day Damascus carried out another strike - what would be the next step?"

Two other MPs who had expressed reservations ahead of last night's vote - Sir Roger Gale (Thanet North) and Charlie Elphicke (Dover) - both backed the government.

Speaking after last night's vote, the Prime Minister said: I strongly believe in the need for a tough response to the use of chemical weapons but I also believe in respecting the will of this House of Commons.?

"It is clear to me that the British Parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action. I get that and the Government will act accordingly."