London ( CNN ) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday protesters who resorted to violence Thursday night will `` feel the full force of the law , '' and blamed them for wreaking havoc in London during the pre-Christmas weeks . Addressing reporters , Cameron defended the government 's contentious move to triple tuiton at UK universities and said protesters , not the police , should be blamed for last night 's chaos on Parliament street and nearby areas and for attacking a car transporting Prince Charles and Camilla , the Duchess of Cornwall . `` I immediately rang the Prince of Wales , '' said Cameron , a reference to Prince Charles . `` We need to learn the lesson of this incident , '' he said . On Friday , police sifted through rubble strewn over London 's Parliament square , searching for clues and culprits in Thursday night 's protests , where students , enraged by the triple tuition hike , broke windows and ambushed the royal vehicle . `` It is not the fault of the police , '' said Cameron . `` It was the fault of those who tried to smash that car . '' Members of the National Union of Students said in its website the group condemns any forms of violence , including from the police . `` Regarding many of the scenes that were witnessed yesterday , whilst it is clear that there were a small number of people involved who were inciting violence , many people were contained for a long period of time when attempting to take part in peaceful protest , '' the NUS stated . `` We are calling on the Metropolitan Police to have a full investigation into the clashes yesterday between protesters and the police and for it to look again at its tactics for policing demonstrations , '' it said . A photo of the royal couple , dressed in evening wear , made headlines as it showed the startled expressions on their faces as they sat in their Rolls-Royce before exiting for a Royal Variety Performance . The royal couple escaped unhurt . Police said the route had been cleared minutes before the royal couple was due to make their journey . The high-profile incident came late in a day of violent protests that left at least 12 officers and 43 demonstrators hurt . London 's Metropolitan Police issued a statement Friday condemning the protests and alleged vandalism that took place Thursday night , claiming protesters intimidated Christmas shoppers and bystanders . `` This has nothing to do with peaceful protest , '' the statement said . `` Students are involved in wanton vandalism including smashing windows in Oxford and Regent streets . '' So far , 34 people have been arrested in connection with the protests , and more than 40 protesters have been hospitalized , police said . The protests followed a vote in the House of Commons to approve a plan to raise the existing cap on tuition rates charged by universities from £3,000 to £9,000 a year . In U.S. dollars , that 's a nearly $ 10,000 a year increase -- from roughly $ 4,700 to $ 14,000 . Lawmakers approved the plan in a 323-302 vote . The measure awaits approval by the House of Lords and a signature by the queen before it can become law . The vote ended hours of debate inside Parliament . Thousands of demonstrators outside said the plan will price many students out of a university education . Supporters say the tuition cap hike is needed to cut the government 's massive deficit .
Prime Minister David Cameron says protesters who resorted to violence will `` feel the full force of the law '' Police not to blame , Cameron said . Students enraged by tuition hikes . National Union of Students condemns violence . The NUS is calling for full investigation into police tactics .