Hunt supporters in violent protest as MPs debate Bill

Six people were arrested during violent scenes last night when hunt supporters attempted to force their way into Parliament during a debate on hunting with dogs.

As MPs discussed a proposed ban on hare coursing and stag hunting and limits on fox hunting, police were forced to bar the entrance to the Commons to 3,000 campaigners protesting against the moves.

Demonstrators threw flares and smoke bombs and scuffled with police as they attempted to push back mounted police.

Some set fire to an effigy of Tony Blair, while others climbed lamp posts and the Commons gates in noisy scenes which brought Parliament Square to a standstill and closed Westminster underground station.

One protester, Alastair Bulmain, said: "Everyone here has come to support those involved in the sports threatened by this bill. We are a law-abiding minority trying to make a living and make our voices heard."

Alun Michael, the Rural Affairs minister, told the Commons the demonstration was evidence of the "tribal" hunting debate. He said: "Given the amount of time I have taken to listen again and again to such groups ... it is disappointing they are not showing similar respect to Parliament."

Andy Trotter, the Metropolitan police Deputy Assistant Commissioner added: "I'm thoroughly disappointed by totally unreasonable actions of protesters gathered in Parliament Square today, and also saddened they felt the need to behave in such a manner.

"Not only have they failed to keep to prior agreements with police, but they have shown pure recklessness by throwing fireworks in the area and even destroying part of a builder's hoarding designed to keep the public safe."

MPs are being given a free vote on the proposals, but Tony Blair faces a revolt from anti-hunt MPs who plan to table amendments within days to introduce a total ban on hunting.

Tony Banks, the MP for West Ham, whose early-day motion calling for a ban has been signed by 180 Labour backbenchers, said: "It's a moral issue about cruelty. It's wrong to take pleasure from the killing of animals. It's as wrong to take pleasure from the killing of animals as it is to take pleasure from the killing of human beings."

Gerald Kaufman, Labour MP for Manchester Gorton and another vociferous opponent of hunting, said: "When next year we come to vote on the amendments which would bring about a complete ban if the bulk of Labour backbenchers voted for the ban and the bulk of the payroll voted against the ban, this would provoke outrage in the Labour movement."

But Nicholas Soames, Tory MP for Mid Sussex, said the Government was "determined to ban hunting", branding as "grotesque" its decision to make time for the legislation.

Mr Michael appealed to MPs to support the principles of the Bill, arguing that it was "tough but fair" and provided a practical and principled way of dealing with hunting.

He said it was backed by senior police officers, arguing that the proposed system of licensing would produce clear-cut and fair legislation. He said: "Far from being a compromise, it is uncompromising in seeking to root out cruelty."