Nick Clegg has promised to reach a decision on power-sharing negotiations as quickly as possible - but warned that any agreement would need to "stand the test of time".

The Liberal Democrat leader said his team is working "flat out around the clock" trying to secure a breakthrough in the hung parliament talks.

William Hague also said he was "optimistic" as Lib Dem and Tory negotiators gathered at the Cabinet Office in Whitehall for further discussions.

Speaking outside his London home, Mr Clegg said: "I don't think a prolonged period of uncertainty is a good thing. That's why we want to arrive at a decision as soon as possible.

"But I hope people equally understand that it would be better to get the decision right rather than rushing into something which won't stand the test of time."

He added: "Throughout this process, we continue to be guided by our ambitions and objectives of bringing stability to the British economy and introducing the big changes of tax reform, in our schools system, the way our economy is run and the way our political system is organised."

Arriving for the resumption of negotiations, Mr Hague said: "The talks are going well and we're meeting now to discuss some specific ideas and proposals.

"We're optimistic about making further progress very soon."