The UK has always been a magnet for scientific talent, but has now got caught up in the immigration numbers game that is causing fault lines within the coalition government.

Scientists across the country say it makes no sense to cap the number of scientists who can enter the UK within weeks of the Spending Review, in which the government sent the strongest signal possible that it values science and technology as a way out of financial crisis and as a bedrock for future growth.

Newsnight's Science editor Susan Watts reports.

Broadcast on Monday 3 November 2010.