Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has hit out at critics of the new coalition's plans to make it more difficult for MPs to force out the Government if it is defeated on a vote of confidence.

In his first setpiece speech since taking office last week, the Liberal Democrat leader said the proposed new requirement for a 55 per cent majority of MPs to agree to a dissolution of Parliament before the end of its five-year term would help ensure stability.

He accused critics who have claimed that it would make it more difficult to get rid of a government that had lost the confidence of the House of Commons of "completely missing the point".

Although he aimed his remarks at Labour former ministers such as Jack Straw and David Blunkett who have attacked the plan, it risks antagonising Conservative MPs who have also voiced opposition to the proposal.

In a wide-ranging address to students in north London, Mr Clegg also promised a review of the anti-terrorism laws to prevent their "misuse" by the authorities.