Lib Dem MPs issue warning over web surveillance proposals

Plans to give GCHQ real-time access to phone and internet communications prompts letter warning of potential dangersRead the letter in full

The Lib Dem leader said the police

The Lib Dem leader said the police would not be given new powers to look at people's emails, however powers may need to be updated to "keep pace with the use of new innovation".

Clegg highlighted existing police powers which can involve the release of phone records detailing who has made a call, where and when that call was made - nevertheless said "voice over internet protocol" calls, just as those made using Skype, were not recorded.

Having campaigned in the last election against a government surveillance database, Clegg said: "We have to confront as a government it is now possible to communicate with each other using different routes and we do need to update the means and powers that already exist on the statute books to reflect that change in research.

The prime minister insisted the moves were needed to keep up with changes in research and were vital in the effort to tackle serious crime and terrorism.

Asked why the Tories appeared to have changed their position on GCHQ accessing information, Cameron said: "Let's be thoroughly clear, this is not what the last government proposed and we opposed. And let's be clear, this is not about extending the reach of the state into people's data, it's about trying to keep up with modern innovation.

Internet companies warn over government email surveillance plans

Government plans increased email and social network surveillance