Nick Clegg compared the press to "desperate" animals as he said the Government should fully accept the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry into press standards as long as they were "proportionate".

The Deputy Prime Minister said the test for the new regulatory regime was whether it would meet the concerns of victims of phone hacking.

He questioned whether it would be possible to have an independent regulator without some form of statutory framework but insisted there was no question of state interference in the press.

Answering questions from activists at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, Mr Clegg said if Lord Justice Leveson's report produced proposals that are "proportionate and workable" then "we should implement them, simple as that".

He said he agreed with David Cameron that the success of the proposals would be judged on whether they showed the victims that lessons had been learned.

The test, Mr Clegg said, was "can we look Milly Dowler's mother and father in the eye, whose privacy was so outrageously abused?"

But he said it would be "completely unacceptable to do anything that allows politicians and government to intrude on the content of what the media do".

Mr Clegg said: "I would never accept illiberal statutory regulation of the press.

"We are a liberal party, we believe in free speech. Even I believe in the freedom of the Daily Mail to say the things they say about me and us every day.

"I think people are creating this spectre of statutory interference, it's just not going to happen."

But, he said there needed to be an independent regulator and "the question is can you have something which is genuinely independent of the press, so it can be tough on the press when that is merited, which doesn't in one shape or form, even indirectly have some kind of footing in statute".

Mr Clegg blamed declining circulation figures for the behaviour of the press.

He said: "The written press is an industry, it's a bit like animals around a disappearing waterhole. They are fighting over an increasingly small pool of customers.

"What's happening in the British press, because they are becoming more desperate, because people are accessing their information in increasingly different ways, I really doubt that my children ... when they get older they are going to buy a newspaper in the traditional sense.

"So of course what you have got, which is almost inevitable, you are getting an increasingly shrill, ferocious tone, at times almost hysterical tone, as newspapers worried about their own futures try and keep their heads above water."

But he added: "Much though, of course, it's sometimes extraordinary to see the level of downright exaggeration, hyperbole or mendacity, it's not really for liberals to start saying we are going to start wielding a great big club over them.

"That is one of the prices of a free society and I'd rather have a free society with a raucous and rude press than an unfree society with a timid and insipid press."

The Guardian reported that his words were welcomed by the Hacked Off campaign which, along with the comedian Steve Coogan, is due to meet Clegg on Tuesday.

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• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg sits in the audience before addressing his party's annual conference in Brighton.

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, addresses a rally on day one of the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party.. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg shakes hands with a police officer as he arrives in Brighton for the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Party members attend the opening day of the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Party members have a snooze as David Laws Schools and Education Minister addresses the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Party members attend the opening day of the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Party members attend the opening day of the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, addresses a rally on day one of the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party.. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Memorabilia mugs are sold on the opening day of the Liberal Democrats' Party Conference on September 22, 2012 in Brighton, England. As the Liberal Democrats' popularity continues to decline, Clegg will attempt to bolster confidence in his leadership of the party. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg shakes hands with a police officer as he arrives at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg arrives at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Education minister David Laws speaks at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Education minister David Laws leaves the stage after speaking at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Liberal Democrat members at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Mugs depicting Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg with the words ÒIÕm SorryÓ on at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg addresses the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Mugs depicting Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg with the words ÒIÕm SorryÓ on at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg addresses the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam who are celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary attend a function in The Metropole hotel at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23,2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Miriam Gonzalez Durantez reacts following her husband Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Members from Citizens UK presentation stand on stage at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Members vote during a policy motion at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Members vote during a policy motion at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: A a young member from a Citizens UK presentation stands on stage at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Miriam Gonzalez Durantez reacts at her husband Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg taking a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam (not pictured) who are celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary attend a function in The Metropole hotel at the Liberal Democrat conference onon September 23,2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg takes a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg takes a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Members listen to party president Tim Farron speak at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Derek Mann attends the morning session of day two at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg waits to appear on BBC One's 'The Andrew Marr Show' on day two of the Liberal Democrats' annual Party Conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg has urged party supporters not to squabble with the Conservatives but also said that the Conservatives should keep to their side of the bargain in maintaining the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, holds flowers during the Citizens UK presentation at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Members listen to party president Tim Farron speak at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Tim Farron party president speaks at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, holds flowers during the Citizens UK presentation at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• The Liberal Democrats Hold Their Annual Party Conference

  BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg applauds supporters during the Citizens UK presentation at the Liberal Democrat conference on September 23, 2012 in Brighton, England. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is urging party supporters not to 'squabble' with the Conservatives while insisting the Tories maintain the bargain of the coalition government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

• Hughes admits texting Miliband

  File photo dated 18/09/11 of Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Simon Hughes who has admitted exchanging text messages with Labour's Ed Miliband.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, addresses the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (right) applauds the speech by Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Simon Hughes (left) listens to the speech by Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, addressing the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (centre) applauds the speech by Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg speaks during a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg with his wife Miriam Gonzalez-Durantez, arriving at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton, meeting candidates of the party's Leadership Programme, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (right) at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton, to meet candidates of the party's Leadership Programme, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg with his wife Miriam Gonzalez-Durantez, arriving at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton, to meet candidates of the party's Leadership Programme, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg with his wife Miriam Gonzalez-Durantez, at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton, to meet candidates of the party's Leadership Programme, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (second left) with his wife Miriam Gonzalez-Durantez (second right) at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton, to meet candidates of the party's Leadership Programme, during the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg speaks during a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg speaks during a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg speaks during a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton.

• LibDem Annual Conference

  Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg considers a question from the audience, during a question and answer session at the Liberal Democrat Annual Conference in Brighton, England, Sunday Sept. 23, 2012. The Liberal Democrat party are in government in coalition with the Conservative party. According to some news reports on Sunday, Clegg is suffering from his lowest personal approval rating since taking office, following a poll of party members. (AP Photo / Gareth Fuller, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES