this is bbc news. the headlines the uk has registered a record number of new coronavirus infections. more than 78,500 cases were reported in the past 2a hours, the highest figure since the pandemic began. germany s new chancellor said his country would defend itself against a violent minority opposed to coronavirus vaccinations. olaf scholz s comments come as police conducted a series of raids in the city of dresden in saxony. president biden has been inspecting the devastation caused by tornadoes in the state of kentucky. he s promised federal aid to rebuild communities. at least 7a people died in the state and 1a others elsewhere.