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.

The Conservative Party leader, whose constituency includes Stansted Airport, said she has supported the expansion of the UK's largest airport in the past, and would not change her mind on doing so.

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,

Rachel Reeves suggested the Cabinet would be united in backing any expansion of Heathrow Airport despite previous opposition from senior Government figures, as she all but confirmed plans to endorse a third runway.