UK population could hit 70 million due to net migration

Good evening. Net migration is on course to drive the population over 70 million by 2026, 11 years earlier than predicted, official figures show.

Elsewhere, the percentage of 2019 Tory voters who now say they plan to vote for Reform UK has increased to its highest ever level.

Net migration to push UK population over 70 million 11 years earlier than expected

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated net migration will increase Britain’s population by nearly 10 per cent, or 6.1 million by mid-2036.

Telegraph sale: Government concerned by principle of foreign state media ownership

The Government has said it is concerned about the principle of a foreign government owning a UK media organisation as it considers whether to block the UAE’s takeover of The Telegraph.

Reform UK backing among 2019 Tory voters reaches record high

The percentage of 2019 Tory voters who now say they intend to vote for Reform UK has increased to its highest ever level, according to a new poll.

Evening Briefing: Today’s essential headlines

Crime | A man armed with a crossbow who forced his way into a property in south London has been shot dead by armed police.

Comment and analysis

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard | Europe’s war on farmers is playing with Eurosceptic fire

Tom Harris | The DUP may have saved itself from oblivion

Barry Norris | Your wealth is about to be hit by the world’s most powerful central bank

Tim Stanley | What’s easier for a PM? Questions in the House or 10 minutes on ITV’s This Morning?

Suzanne Moore | I don’t need my sexuality affirmed at a railway station – I just want the trains to run on time

World news: Karine Le Marchand, France’s Jeremy Clarkson, becomes heroine of farmers’ protests

The presenter of a reality TV show which helps lonely farmers find a life partner has become a figurehead for agricultural demonstrations.

Feature of the day

My Cool Runnings experience: How a novice can drive a bobsleigh

To mark the centenary of the first Winter Olympics Games, our writer pilots a bobsleigh at speeds over 50mph.

Business news: HSBC fined £57m over ‘serious’ failure to protect customers’ savings

HSBC has been fined £57.4m after failing to alert UK regulators about the number of customers eligible for a compensation scheme if the bank collapsed.

Live markets news: UPS announces 12,000 job cuts and end of working from home