David Cameron under fire after Tory MPs stage gay marriage revolt
David Cameron was facing accusations today of tearing his party apart after more Tory MPs voted against legalising gay marriage than voted in favour.
The Prime Minister hailed a 'step forward for our country' after the House of Commons backed the proposals by a margin of 400 to 175.
However, Labour and Liberal Democrat support masked a massive show of protest by Tories with 136 taking advantage of a free vote to register opposition.
Just 127 endorsed the proposals at second reading, with 40 more either formally abstaining or not voting.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, the MP for North Shropshire, and Welsh Secretary David Jones voted against. Fellow Defence Secretary Philip Hammond and Attorney General Dominic Grieve stayed away.
Mr Paterson said today: "I voted against civil partnerships and I voted against gay marriage last night. I do think civil partnerships have worked well but I have got a clear view of what marriage is, which I expressed last night."
Shrewsbury's Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski voted for the Bill, along with Telford's Labour MP David Wright.
Mr Kawczynski said: "I believe the PM showed great courage and integrity bringing forward this bill and I am pleased to have been able to support him for a more equal society."
Tories Mark Pritchard, for the Wrekin, and Glyn Davies, for Montgomeryshire, voted against the Bill. Ludlow MP Philip Dunne did not vote as he is in India, but said he is opposed the move.
Mr Pritchard said: "I support civil partnerships for same-sex couples and the legal protection they afford, but I believe marriage is something the Government has no right to amend."
