Covid live: UK reports 8,125 daily cases, most since February – as it happened

UK also reports 17 deaths as infection rate rises; British Medical Association calls for delay to easing of remaining lockdown restrictions

• Rapid Covid tests used in mass UK programme get scathing US report
• Covid cases in England rising at fastest rate since winter wave
• Ministers warn of disruption in English schools as Covid variant spreads
• Covid vaccine programme for developing countries could cost $6.5bn
• CDC discuss potential link between heart inflammation and mRNA jabs

12.23am BST

This live blog is now closing. Our colleagues will be starting a new one in a few hours to cover all the global Covid developments.

12.19am BST