Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to welcome Heathrow's expansion in an announcement on Wednesday, the BBC understands. A move to encourage in principle a planning application for a third runway at the airport will mark the first stage of the process and come as part of a major speech on wider growth plans to boost the economy.

British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to back the expansion of Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, turning to the country's most controversial infrastructure project in her hunt for economic growth.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to back a third Heathrow runway and endorse expansion at Gatwick - but what is the cost of her pursuit of economic growth?

Reeves is expected to make an announcement backing airport expansion next week, as part of major speech on plans to boost the economy. The government has already said it wants to fast-track permission for housing and commercial developments near train stations, as well as pare back environmental impact assessments.

Ed Miliband has warned that Heathrow's expansion, along with other airport projects, won't proceed unless they align with the UK's emissions targets

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has claimed a third runway at Heathrow would improve air quality by allowing planes to land directly rather than circling London, despite previously opposing airport expansion in her own area.