Reeves hints at backing third Heathrow runway

Rachel Reeves has given her heaviest hint yet that she will back a third runway at Heathrow, arguing that she is willing to make difficult decisions while pursuing economic growth.

- Eleni Courea

The chancellor is poised to make a major speech this week where she will outline her plans to boost the British economy by radically altering planning rules and accelerating building projects.

Yesterday, she confronted the long-running political saga over expanding Europe's busiest airport, claiming a third runway had environmental benefits such as fewer planes circling London leading to cleaner air.

Cabinet ministers who have voted against Heathrow expansion in the past are preparing to put aside their objections. The Guardian understands that Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Treasury who in 2018 described the environmental consequences of a third runway as "unconscionable", does not view it as a resigning issue.

Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, who also voted against a third runway in 2018, would also not resign over it.

Ed Miliband, the biggest opponent of aviation expansion within the cabinet, ruled out resigning last week.

Steve Reed, the environment secretary, is expected to drop his past objection to the plans. He said over the weekend that he opposed a third runway at Heathrow in 2018 because he was in favour of expanding Gatwick airport instead, on the basis that it would benefit his south London constituency.