The UK has recorded another 315 COVID-related deaths and 6,385 cases in the last 24 hours, according to government figures.

This compares to the 343 coronavirus deaths and 6,391 new infections recorded on Tuesday.

It comes as the number of people receiving the first dose of a vaccine nears the 21 million mark.

Government data up to 2 March shows that of the 21,599,027 jabs given in the UK so far, 20,703,615 were first doses – a rise of 224,996 on the previous day.

Some 895,412 were second doses, an increase of 51,314 on figures released the previous day.

Meanwhile, the chancellor has vowed to build a “fairer” country in memory of those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

In an unprecedented Downing Street news conference following his 2021 Budget, Rishi Sunak acknowledged the victims and said financial support will continue long after COVID-19 restrictions end.

But he warned “corrective action” would be needed to tackle the UK’s rising debt, with the government now committed to spending £407bn on support during the COVID crisis and borrowing at levels last seen in the 1940s.

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