The UK Government was accused of a U-turn last night after David Cameron and Nick Clegg defended surveillance plans dubbed a "snoopers' charter".
The Prime Minister and his Deputy attempted to ease fears that the proposals, which could leave everyone's calls, emails, texts and website open to examination by the security services, would trample over civil liberties.
However, their comments caused some to claim success. Nick Pickles, director of the Big Brother Watch campaign group, said: "This is a victory for everyone who cares not only about privacy, but living in a country where the Government does not put every one of its citizens under surveillance."
The Prime Minister said he was saying "yes to keeping up with modern technology and no to a snoopers' charter". He claimed there had been a "lot of misinformation" about the plans.
Mr Clegg pledged an "open, consultative and properly scrutinised process" before any new laws were introduced.
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