After the prime minister promised to clear 'regulatory weeds' form the economy, chancellor Rachel Reeves has given the nod to plans to expand Heathrow Airport.

Rachel Reeves has announced the government is backing a third runway at Heathrow Airport, in a bid to give the UK economy a much-needed boost. The Chancellor’s decision comes despite criticism from environmental campaigners – and several Labour MPs who stood up to oppose the plans in the House of Commons yesterday.

The government is set to give its backing to the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce the decision in a major speech on achieving economic growth.