UK wrong to rule out global coronavirus comparisons, experts say

Exclusive: academics' data on excess deaths shows peak in England was higher than Italy's

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Government ministers are wrong to say that the impact of coronavirus on health in the UK cannot yet be compared with other countries, according to leading academics whose data shows the peak of deaths in England was higher than that in Italy.

International comparison charts were shown at the Downing Street daily briefing until England's death rate from Covid-19 hit a trajectory set to take it above other European nations. Ministers have said comparisons are not accurate because countries collect their data in different ways.