We've been focused on developments in England this afternoon but US President Joe Biden will lead a candle-lighting ceremony and a moment of silence tonight as the country prepares to mark the grim milestone of 500,000 deaths of people with coronavirus.

The ceremony is due to take place at the White House at 18:15 (23:15 GMT) and will also involve First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, officials say.

The US has seen the highest number of infections - more than 28 million - and the highest death toll of any country in the world.

Since taking office, President Biden has signed a raft of new measures including boosting vaccinations and testing. He has pleaded with Americans to wear masks and warned that the death toll could continue to rise.

The widely criticised handling of the pandemic and the vaccination programme under the Trump administration was a key issue in last year's presidential election.

BBC