MPs last night voted for an outright ban on hunting after the government sensationally climbed down and withdrew a compromise amendment.

Labour MPs had expressed fury at what they saw as an attempt to force through the government's middle way option.

But after five hours of heated debate rural affairs minister Alun Michael announced he was withdrawing his amendment.

Labour MPs then united with Liberal Democrats and a small number of Tories to back an outright ban with a majority of more than 200.

Michael's climbdown came in the face of intense criticism from Labour MPs who believed ministers were attempting to dilute a manifesto commitment.

Seven members of the Cabinet and scores of ministers joined with MPs led by Tony Banks to force through the ban on a free vote.

Criticism grew after it emerged that the Commons would not be able to vote for a total ban if the government's partial ban had been carried in an earlier Commons division.

That led to angry scenes, with Tony Banks joining with Tory former minister Ann Widdecombe in accusing the government of foul play.

Widdecombe said ministers were attempting to force through "some shoddy compromise that a blackmailing government has tried to impose on its own backbenchers".

The bill will shortly head to the House of Lords where it can expect to face stiff opposition.

Ministers have not ruled out using the Parliament Act to force through the ban if the Lords continues to oppose the legislation.

Whilst the move will help to shore up core Labour support in the prime minister, it comes as a further poll conducted by MORI for the FT finds that two thirds of voters believe Tony Blair is "losing his grip".