Coalition's immigration split

Tensions within the coalition over immigration have dramatically bubbled to the surface.

Prime minister David Cameron is set to give a speech later today defending the government's immigration clampdown.

He will discuss the government's plans to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands, arguing a mass influx of migrants has created "discomfort and disjointedness" in some communities.

But his argument has been overshadowed by comments from business secretary Vince Cable, who told the BBC that Mr Cameron's speech was "very unwise" and risked "inflaming extremism".

Liberal Democrats have tried to temper the severity of their coalition partner's desired crack down on immigration - a stark policy difference between the two parties.

Mr Cable's comments have exposed the extent of these differences and risks undermining the truce within the coalition over the issue.