Under the plans due to be unveiled in the 10-Year Health Plan next month, all newborns will undergo whole genome sequencing to assess their risk of developing hundreds of conditions. The initiative will be backed by a £650m investment in genomics as part of the Government's wider Life Sciences sector plan.

Wes Streeting said: ‘Genomics presents us with the opportunity to leapfrog disease, so we're in front of it rather than reacting to it.

'With the power of this new technology, patients will be able to receive personalised health care to prevent ill health before symptoms begin, reducing the pressure on NHS services and helping people live longer, healthier lives.'

Parents would be asked for consent for the tests and samples and health records will be stored in the National Genomic Research Library, with identifying details encrypted and kept separate.