Charles Kennedy yesterday used a speech to the National Liberal Club to expand on his vision of "tough liberalism".

The Liberal Democrat leader unveiled details of his "ASBO plus" plans - under which young offenders and their families would be given help by youth and social workers to change their behaviour.

Speaking of the need for community justice panels, which would mete out punishment to local offenders, often forcing them to face their victims, he insisted "this is not a soft option", unlike the stance of Labour.

The Lib Dems are eager to deflect what they say is a Labour "myth" that they are soft on crime.