CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves all but confirmed plans to endorse a third runway at Heathrow today, following renewed support from the GMB and Community unions.

She said any decisions would be subject to “full collective ministerial responsibility” but insisted that developments in sustainable aviation mean it goes “hand in hand” with boosting the economy.

“A lot [has] changed in terms of aviation,” she told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show.

“There’s huge investment going on in electric planes, and also a third runway will mean that instead of circling London, flights can land at Heathrow.”

This is despite previous opposition to expanding Britain’s largest airport from her Cabinet colleagues including the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also criticised the proposals previously but last week said he would not resign if the government backed a third runway.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who won a third term in 2024 on a platform of opposing airport expansion in the capital, has however said his views “haven’t changed” and suggested any plans would need mitigations for noise pollution and carbon emissions.

The Chancellor is expected to use a speech next week to endorse proposals for a third runway at the west London airport, as well as expansion at Gatwick and Luton airports.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to remove barriers which prevent construction and to get projects approved faster, will be introduced to Parliament in spring, Ms Reeves confirmed.

Campaigners expressed concern over her remarks today and their implications for what they described as a “uniquely complicated and costly third runway.”

Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition group, said: “If, as is now expected, the Chancellor announces the go ahead for Gatwick’s and Luton’s expansions this week, then perhaps her supportive words about Heathrow are not as significant as some may think.

“Expansions at other London airports undermine the case for Heathrow’s uniquely complicated and costly third runway, making it an even riskier, if not un-investable proposition.”

GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast said: “Reports that the third runway at Heathrow may shortly get the green light is a long overdue decision. 

“Expanded capacity at the airport is crucial for our country’s prosperity and has been put off for far too long. 

“The sooner the project is progressed, the better.”