The barrage of abuse faced by Tory activists attending party conference in Manchester was "tantamount to hate crimes", an MP has said.

Nigel Evans made the remarks during Home Office questions in the Commons as he questioned ministers on high-profile policing at events. He said the police response had been "totally inadequate" at last week's conference.

Police Minister Mike Penning told MPs Greater Manchester Police was reviewing its work at the event, where a small number of noisy protesters surrounded the gate throughout the conference shouting at most people who arrived. Some journalists and activists were spat at or pelted with eggs.

About 70,000 people protested against Government policy peacefully on the first day of the event.

Mr Evans, Conservative MP for Ribble Valley, said: "I have been going to Conservative party conference for over 30 years and there has always been high-profile policing at these conferences.

"But this is the first one in 30 years that I witnessed those working in hotels and the conference centre, and delegates, having to run a gauntlet of demonstrators who shouted vile abuse at people - which were tantamount to hate crimes - spitting and the throwing of eggs.

"The police response was totally inadequate. Could you say what conversations you will have with the police chief representing Manchester and what action can be taken in future to ensure those attending conferences can do so safely?"

Mr Penning replied: "I think we would all agree across the House that no matter whether you are attending any party political conference or working there, no-one needed to go through the type of abuse that took place there.

"This is a matter for Greater Manchester Police and I have already had conversations around this and I know there is a review going to take place. I believe the Conservative Party will also be having consultations with them."

In a later question on hate speech, SNP MP Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) suggested Home Secretary Theresa May could fall foul of new rules proposed by the government.

Referencing Mrs May's hard-hitting address on immigration, Mr Newlands said: "Would you agree with me that Mrs May's speech to Conservative party conference itself could be defined as hate speech and did nothing for her leadership bid of the Conservative Party, and everything for a potential leadership bid for Ukip?"

Home Office Minister Karen Bradley replied: "A one-word answer - no."