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 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.