The NHS is among one of the worst health care systems in Europe due to poor cancer investment, a major study has found.

Britain has been ranked 30th in a global list of countries assessed for health care quality and access lagging behind many of its European neighbours.

Experts have blamed the low score on its lack of investment in specialist cancer care.

Researchers who analysed death-rate data from 195 nations judged the UK to be on a par with the Czech Republic and Portugal.

But Britain was beaten by Finland, Sweden, Spain (all 90) and Italy (89), all of which have similar health systems to the NHS, said researchers.