Jeremy Hunt has said that tens of thousands of patients die needlessly each year due to the “shocking underperformance” of health services. The Health Secretary issued a warning that England’s failure to match the best in Europe means that 30,000 people a year die prematurely. He said that all middle-aged people should be offered regular health checks to spot emerging problems. He also called on the NHS to focus on the five biggest killer diseases - heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory and liver disease.

With 100 days to go until the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, cricket fans in Birmingham are turning their attention towards one of the game’s most prestigious tournaments, which features the eight best one day international teams in the world and concludes at Edgbaston Stadium.

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt and other overseas athletes will be able to compete tax-free in this year's London Diamond League after the British government agreed to tax exemptions.

Every dog owner in Britain will have to put microchips on their pets starting 2016 under plans intended to cut a rise in stray animals.