Thousands of angry students clashed with police in the streets of London Thursday, after British lawmakers approved a controversial plan to triple university tuition.

The plan to raise the cap on tuition fees to 9,000 pounds ($14,000) was approved by a 323-302 vote in the House of Commons.

Outside Parliament, authorities in riot gear struggled to control a mob of students who'd been waiting for the results. Some booed and chanted "shame" when it was revealed that the plan had passed.

Demonstrations and sit-ins were also held throughout the country.

The tuition hike is part of a plan to cut spending and reduce Britain's massive budget deficit.