Rachel Reeves will pledge to go “further and faster” to boost the UK economy by unblocking new infrastructure projects, as she seeks to lure investors and win back business support after a rocky start to her tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to welcome Heathrow's expansion in an announcement on Wednesday, the BBC understands. A move to encourage in principle a planning application for a third runway at the airport will mark the first stage of the process and come as part of a major speech on wider growth plans to boost the economy.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye has long said the airport will only press ahead with the full support of government. The prospect of a third runway at Heathrow has alarmed residents, environmental groups and some Labour politicians,

British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to back the expansion of Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, turning to the country's most controversial infrastructure project in her hunt for economic growth.