The Lib Dems yesterday called for tougher justice for violent criminals as part of a shake-up of the criminal justice system.

But the party said that an alternative to prison should be found for those who commit white collar crime.

Rank-and-file Lib Dems dismissed the move, warning that the party should not try to ape Tory crime policy.

The party also called on the Lord Chancellor's Department to be replaced with a Ministry of Justice.