Clegg slams new Conservative government in final speech
Nick Clegg has attacked the new Tory government for abandoning the liberal stance promoted by the coalition.
In his final speech as leader of the Liberal Democrats, he accused David Cameron of sacrificing civil liberties and cited newly announced data monitoring powers as an example of legislated 'snooping'.
He also lamented the lack of measures put forward to support social care and house-building.
"The human rights we hold dear, our right to privacy in an online age, our future as an open-minded, outward-looking country, are all hanging in the balance again because of the measures announced today," he said of the Queen's speech.
Clegg also warned that the Conservatives' ambivalence towards the UK's place in the EU could irreparably damage the UK's reputation on the international stage.
The contest to succeed Nick Clegg is currently underway after the election left the party with just eight MPs.