UK coronavirus death toll highest in Europe

The United Kingdom has surpassed Italy to report the highest official death toll from coronavirus in Europe, with total deaths reaching 32,313 as of late April.

This figure, which includes suspected cases based on death certificate mentions of COVID-19, makes the UK the second highest globally behind the United States.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab acknowledged the number of lives lost as a "massive tragedy" unparalleled in British history.

However, the government's chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, suggested that looking back, decisions regarding testing could have been handled differently.

Ministers prefer using "excess deaths" for international comparisons, as it accounts for all causes of death and is more internationally comparable.

The ONS has recorded approximately 42,000 "excess deaths" over the past five weeks, indicating the true toll may be higher.