Lib Dems to unveil Election Pledge

The Liberal Democrat's manifesto will include a pledge to hand drugs policy from the Home Office to the Department of Health, Nick Clegg is to say. His party would also shift resources away from prosecuting drug-users.

Mr Clegg's comments are expected at a joint appearance with Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, who has long called for reforms to the drug laws. The two men said the UK seemed "oblivious" to the "tectonic shift" in the West on drugs policy.

The Lib Dems have long argued for changes to Britain's drug laws. At his party conference in October, Mr Clegg described the current approach as "idiotic". The deputy prime minister will renew his attack in a speech in London alongside Sir Richard. He will pledge to end the "nonsense" of jailing people for possessing small amount of drugs for their personal use, and say young people should not be penalised in later life because of a criminal record.

Nemtsov murder: Russian society polarised

Thousands of Russians have bid farewell to murdered Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov as his funeral took place in the capital Moscow. They queued patiently to view his coffin before it began its solemn journey to a city cemetery.

Several EU politicians and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from attending the funeral. Hours later, Mr Navalny accused the Russian authorities of responsibility for the murder. In a statement (in Russian) from jail, where he is serving a 15-day sentence, he said: "I believe that Nemtsov was murdered by members of a government (special services) or pro-government organisation on the order of the country's political leadership (including Vladimir Putin)."

The question, he said, was whether the order had been given to kill Nemtsov or "stage an action that would have a high impact". Alternatively, he alleged that Nemtsov had been killed on the order of officials in Yaroslavl region, where he had been investigating corruption.

No arrests have been made and no motive has been established for the crime.

Obama trashes Bibi speech

US President Barack Obama has reacted scathingly to a speech by the Israeli prime minister that castigated his policy towards Iran.

 In a speech to the US Congress, Benjamin Netanyahu warned that a deal under discussion on Iran's nuclear programme could "pave Iran's path to the bomb" rather than block it. But Mr Obama said Mr Netanyahu had offered no viable alternative. Other senior Democrats - and Iran - also criticised Mr Netanyahu.

The Israeli leader's visit was controversial from the start, because the Republican speaker invited him without consulting the White House. The US president announced he would not meet Mr Netanyahu, who is fighting in a closely contested national election in just two weeks' time.

How to get into Cricket

Cricket is a social sport that is becoming more accessible due to a variety of formats - games can be played in a host of environments, ranging from 15 minutes to five days.

It's a team sport, but key skills - batting, bowling, fielding - rely on individual gifts. Traditionally it's been played on a field with 11 players per side. While still popular, there are now many other ways to play newer, scintillating styles - within sports halls, local parks, playgrounds and, in some cases, cages!

Why get into cricket? It's a game of brilliant intricacy and variety, and the sound of leather on willow is incredibly satisfying!

Who is it for? Cricket has evolved in recent years and can be adapted for any age, ability, or type of weather.

Is there a cheap option? For playground cricket, just grab a bat and a tennis ball. You can improvise to create some stumps.

What if I want a proper workout? Cricket can be explosive, especially if you're a big-hitting batsman or a fast bowler in shorter formats.

Can I take it to another level? Join a club to receive proper coaching and play competitively.

'Slim' chance of Pietersen comeback

Kevin Pietersen has little chance of making an England comeback, says former team-mate Matthew Hoggard.

According to Hoggard, Pietersen, 34, is now "too far removed" from the side after his international career was ended in February 2014. Hoggard also criticised incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) boss Colin Graves for opening the door to a possible Pietersen return. "It's a fairly careless statement from the new chairman," said Hoggard.

"It makes stories at a time where England don't need any more bad press. It's an extraordinary statement at an extraordinary time." With England losing three of their first four World Cup matches in New Zealand and Australia, talk of a Pietersen return has irritated bowler Stuart Broad.

Stuart Broad rejects claims England are 'playing with fear'

Bowler Stuart Broad says claims England are "playing with fear" are wide of the mark, despite a poor start to their World Cup campaign.

England have lost three of their first four matches and face Bangladesh in a must-win game on Monday. "I don't think we are playing with fear," said Broad. "We just haven't clicked the way we'd have liked."

England have suffered heavy defeats to Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, with their only win against Scotland.

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