KENT MPs have condemned a mob of hunt supporters who tried to storm the main gates of Parliament last night as the Hunting Bill was being debated.

There were eight arrests after smoke bombs were tossed into New Palace Yard, the main entrance to Parliament, and fireworks were thrown at the Norman Shaw Building which houses MPs' offices.

One eyewitness, Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw, said: "Clearly a protest demonstration has to be supported and encouraged, but when that spills over into obstruction and violence, and prevents the democratic institution of Parliament from operating, then it should be condemned."

He added: "I am sure that most of those present - probably 99 per cent - were law-abiding and do not want to cause any frustration to the parliamentary process. But there were some who clearly wanted to cause trouble."

Paul Clark, the Gillingham MP, also watched the outbreak of violence. He said: "Everyone has the right to object, but no one can condone the use of violence in trying to get across your point of view. This is totally unacceptable."

Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews, said: "All this is doing is reinforcing people's prejudices about foxhunting and hunters." Chris Pond, the Gravesham MP, angrily condemned the protests as "loutish".

MPs voted by more than 200 for an immediate ban on hare coursing and deer hunting, but to allow licensed foxhunting to continue for now. However, it is expected they will overthrow the limited fox hunting provision, and bring in a complete hunting ban before the bill finally becomes law.