The Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved by the UK medicines regulator, opening up the possibility of rapidly scaling up vaccination against Covid-19 within days.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has approved the vaccine for use in the UK. Because it needs only normal refrigeration at 2-8C and is easily transported, the rollout to GP practices and care homes will be swift.

The first batches of vaccine are already in the UK and more will be made in UK factories, ensuring a good supply. The UK has ordered 100m doses, of which 4m are expected to be available within the next few days.

Announcing the approval, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said on Wednesday the vaccine would be available for those at the highest risk of Covid-19.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the development "a triumph" for British science, adding: "We will now move to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible."

And England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty praised the "considerable collective effort that has brought us to this point".

 Mr Hancock said the development was a "significant moment" in the fight against the virus.

On Tuesday, 53,135 new Covid cases were recorded in the UK - the highest single day rise since mass testing began - as well as 414 more deaths within 28 days of a positive test.