Heathrow has long argued the expansion is needed to help it keep up with rival airports in Europe, which handle less passengers with more runways, with the airport's boss saying a "clear steer" was needed from the government by the end of 2025.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves made the case for expanding Heathrow in the strongest hint yet that she’s preparing to green-light a controversial third runway at London’s busiest airport in a decision that’s divided the government.

Rachel Reeves told the BBC she would not comment on "speculation" and the government would set out its plans in due course. However, she said a third runway at Heathrow "will mean that instead of circling London,

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.