Downing Street want new Heathrow runway plans by June despite threat of Labour split as London Mayor opposes expansion: Recap

Thanks for following today as we wrap up our updates here.

Earlier we brought you live coverage of Rachel Reeves' major speech in Oxfordshire where she announced the Government was backing a third runway at Heathrow.

And then we provided updates throughout Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons as Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer clashed on the economy, education and employment rights.

Although this page will no longer be updated there remains plenty of politics news on the MailOnline website.

Thanks again for joining us today and we'll see you again soon.

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Rachel Reeves will publish a tax return, it is understood, after the Chancellor earlier said she did not have any plans to do so.

A Treasury spokesperson indicated that Ms Reeves will publish details on her taxes, and Downing Street has confirmed that the Prime Minister will do the same.

In 2024, a summary of Sir Keir’s return showed he paid almost £100,000 to the taxman.

Answering questions following a major speech on her economic growth plans, Ms Reeves said earlier on Wednesday:

Chancellors and prime ministers haven’t published their tax returns in the past, and I don’t have any plans to do so.

The Prime Minister’s press secretary told reporters:

He published his tax return in opposition and will do so as Prime Minister.

Rachel Reeves today refused to publish her private tax return, despite Keir Starmer agreeing to do so.

The Chancellor said he had no plan to release her private financial information, as the deadline for filing self-assessments approaches.

Sir Keir twice released his tax returns as leader of the opposition, and his press secretary put pressure on the Chancellor today, revealing he would do so again now he is Prime Minister.

The Chancellor had earlier been asked after a speech in Oxfordshire whether she would publish the document as the self-assessment tax return deadline nears.

She thanked journalists for the reminder about the date and insisted ministers would 'use that money wisely to invest in infrastructure and grow our economy'.

Read more here:

Responding to the speech by Rachel Reeves, Civil Aviation Authority chief executive Rob Bishton said:

Expanding the sector will give passengers more choice and build resilience as well as contributing to the UK’s productivity. In doing so, it will be important for the sector to remain safe and grow in a responsible way.

In undertaking this regulatory role, we will work with Government and the aviation sector.

Here is a timeline of key events in the long-running saga over expansion of Heathrow airport as Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed plans for a third runway earlier today

• June 2001

It is reported that Labour ministers are “seriously considering” building a third runway at Heathrow in order to keep pace with other European airports.

• July 2002

The Labour Government sets out its UK airport expansion options, which include a third runway at Heathrow. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling says “doing nothing is not an option” because capacity will not meet demand.

• December 2003

The Government publishes a White Paper outlining plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow.

• August 2007

Protesters opposed to the aviation industry and Heathrow expansion set up a Camp for Climate Action near Sipson, on the northern edge of the airport.

• November 2007

The Labour Government outlines proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal. The new runway could be in operation by 2020.

• September 2008

The Opposition Conservative Party promises to scrap the planned third runway and opt instead for a high-speed rail network linking Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London.

• January 15 2009

Labour backs a third runway despite strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups, neighbouring councils and its own backbenchers. The project gets the go-ahead after Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the needs of the economy and the environment have to be balanced.

• January 23 2009

London Mayor Boris Johnson and a team of engineers sail into the Thames Estuary in search of a possible site for a new airport. He says the proposal to build an airport on an artificial island in the estuary could be a viable alternative to Heathrow.

• October 2009

Opposition leader David Cameron tells a public meeting in Richmond, south-west London, that Heathrow expansion will not go ahead, saying “no ifs, no buts”.

• May 2010

Labour loses the General Election. The new coalition Government of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats immediately scraps the third runway proposal.

• March 2012

Both Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne acknowledge a need for airport expansion in south-east England. It is reported they are prepared to look again at options for Heathrow.

• September 2014

The “Boris Island” Thames Estuary airport plan is officially rejected by the Airports Commission. The scheme, championed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is ruled out after the commission says the proposal has “substantial disadvantages”.

• October 2016

The Conservative Government led by Theresa May announces its support for Heathrow expansion. A public consultation will be held on its impact.

• March 2018

A report by the Commons’ Transport Select Committee warns that Heathrow’s expansion bid should not be approved without tougher measures to protect communities and passengers. More safeguards on issues such as air quality, noise, regional connectivity and airport charges are needed, according to the cross-party group of MPs.

• June 5 2018

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s proposal for an Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) supporting Heathrow expansion is given the go-ahead by the Cabinet.

• June 25 2018

MPs vote in favour of the NPS by a large majority. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson misses the vote because he is on a diplomatic visit to Afghanistan.

• May 2019

The High Court dismisses four separate judicial reviews of the Government’s decision to approve Heathrow expansion, brought by a group of councils, residents, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and environmental charities.

• March 2020

Despite passenger numbers plummeting because of coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye says the airport “desperately” needs a third runway to enhance the UK’s access to global markets.

• December 2020

Heathrow wins a Supreme Court challenge, overturning the Court of Appeal’s ruling in February 2020.

• October 2023

Conservative transport minister Jesse Norman says Heathrow expansion still has the “in principle” support of Parliament but it is up to the airport to submit a Development Consent Order application which demonstrates the project will meet “strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed”.

• February 2024

Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s recently appointed chief executive, says passenger numbers growing to above pre-pandemic levels “firms up the business case” for a third runway.

• December 2024

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says the Government needs to decide if it wants a third runway “relatively fast” because “we cannot keep on spending money on this”. He adds: “If that answer is yes, then let’s sit down and agree on the conditions that need to be true.”

• January 2025

Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves uses a speech on growth to support the third runway scheme.

Keir Starmer was roasted for heaping red tape and costs on businesses during a bruising PMQs today.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch contrasted the premier's promises on deregulation with the burdens being added by new employment rights legislation.

She branded the proposed law an 'adventure playground for lawyers', and warned it will stop companies from hiring.

But Sir Keir hit back that 'good work rights are consistent with growth', and highlighted the Chancellor's backing for Heathrow as evidence of the government's determination.

The clashes came amid more signs of stress on the high street in the wake of the Budget - which included a huge national insurance raid on employers.

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Labour MP and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has described the proposed Heathrow expansion as a 'huge political, economic and environmental mistake'.

Mr McDonnell, whose Hayes and Harlington constituency neighbours the airport, said he feared a third runway could cause 'irreparable damage' on the government.

He said he would soon be convening a public meeting to discuss the situation.

The proposed redevelopment of Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium will receive private finance around housing and commercial opportunities, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has told MPs

Darren Jones was asked how much of the project will be backed by private money and whether it will help the rest of the North by Newcastle United supporter and fellow Labour MP Chi Onwurah.

Ms Chi Onwurah, chairwoman of the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, asked:

For the sake of those of us who are not Manchester United fans, could he clarify that much of the investment in the Man U development will be private-sector based, and could he also set out how it will help the rest of the North, and particularly Newcastle United fans like myself?

Mr Jones said in response:

The development in Manchester is a broad set of developments private financed around housing and commercial opportunities, as well as the work that Manchester United want to do in relation to their football stadium.

The Treasury minister added he wasn't able to provide a running commentary on the stadium redevelopments at other football clubs

We can now show you the moment Kemi Badenoch was reprimanded by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle after she accused Keir Starmer of misleading Parliament.

The Conservative leader made the accusation in the opening exchanges of PMQs when she challenged the Prime Minsiter over Labour's new education bill.

Sir Lindsay asked her to change her language before she was allowed to continue with her question.

Watch the exchange below:

Downing Street was not certain about whether MPs will be given a vote on the plans to expand Heathrow.

Asked if there would be a vote, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said:

There are various steps in the process. We obviously now have asked Heathrow to provide and come forward with proposals, and once those proposals are submitted then the Government will move at speed to review the airports national policy statement.

That provides the basis for decision-making on granting development consent for the new runway at Heathrow to ensure that it is line with our environmental and climate obligations. We need to get through those stages of the process. The Transport Secretary will consider the proposal in the first instance and then we will update on any parliamentary procedure in the usual way.

This is the moment Keir Starmer warned Kemi Badenoch she could be the 'next lettuce' during an exchange earlier in Prime Minister's Questions.

The Conservative leader had attacked the Prime Minister over the upcoming employment bill which she said played into the hands of trade unions.

In response, Starmer says Badenoch is 'not a lawyer' and 'not a leader', adding that if she isn't careful she will 'become the next lettuce'.

Watch the exchange below:

reporting by MailOnline's Deputy Political Editor David Wilcock

No10 tried to distance itself from a fight with Sadiq Khan over a third runway at Heathrow this afternoon.

After Mr Khan criticised backing for the scheme the PM’s press secretary insisted the Labour mayor of London was not among ‘blockers’ blamed earlier by the Chancellor earlier for stalling infrastructure projects for years.

The press secretary tried to placate the mayor by saying ministers agreed the scheme would have to meet key environmental and climate obligations in order to proceed.

However the PM’s official spokesman also set out how keen ministers are to get things going.

He told reporters that while Heathrow had been given a June deadline to come forward with a plan, ministers would be happy if airport chiefs came back sooner and allowed the government to get the legal ball rolling as quickly as possible.

Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges has given his verdict on this week's Prime Minister's Questions.

Dan says the weekly Commons clash was 'not a good session' for the Conservative leader.

Ms Badenoch was ticked off by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle after claiming the Prime Minister misled the Commons over Labour's education bill and argued the Government was adopting Conservative policies.

She appeared to come off worse in the exchanges with the Prime Minister who described her as the 'next lettuce' in reference to the short reign of one of her predecessors Liz Truss.

More now from Ed Davey's comments on his visit to Barnstaple hospital.

The Liberal Democrat leader called for a discussion to 'bring these urgent projects forward', referring to delayed hospital rebuild projects.

He told the Commons: 'When (North Devon MP Ian Roome) and I recently visited a hospital in Barnstaple, a surgeon there told us that it was like a ticking time-bomb. He explained that a hospital that size needs 12 operating theatres to meet demand. They've got just four.

'The last Conservative government promised to rebuild it and we all know that was a hollow promise. Now North Devon District Hospital is one of nine across the country where their urgent rebuild programme has now been postponed for over 10 years, so will the Prime Minister meet honourable members whose constituents' lives are being harmed by this delay to see if there's any way we can bring these urgent projects forward?'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer replied: 'I think people across the country are right to feel angry and betrayed and frustrated at the last government's plan - non-plan - on hospitals. It was unachievable, it was unfunded, it was empty promises.

'Under them, these hospitals would never have been built. Our funded plan backed by the investment we've put in will deliver them.

'We will take such steps as we can on hubs, etc, to advance quickly our waiting lists and operations, as he knows, and I'm more than happy to talk or to make sure that all constituents and members can meet relevant ministers.'

A little while ago Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch said the Chancellor has 'embraced a series of Conservative policies' as she called on the Prime Minister to withdraw the Employment Rights Bill.

She told MPs at Prime Minister's Questions: 'Yesterday, the Prime Minister set his growth test. He said, 'if a policy is good for growth, the answer is yes. If it's not, the answer is no'. This morning the Chancellor embraced a series of Conservative policies, although many are welcome, they will take years to deliver.

'When Conservatives left office, we had the fastest economic growth in the G7. But what is the Government doing for growth now? It's destroying it. Let's look at the Employment Bill. The Government's own figures say it will cost businesses £5 billion a year. It clearly fails the Prime Minister's growth test. Will he drop it?'

Sir Keir Starmer replied: 'I think the proposition they left a golden inheritance was tested on the fourth of July.'

He added: 'She asked what we're doing, the ONS say we got the highest investment for 19 years. PwC, second best place to invest in the world. IMF, upgrading growth predicted, fastest growing major economy in Europe. Wages up, inflation down.

'There's more to do with reforming planning and regulation, building the new homes that we need, supporting a third runway at Heathrow, and as she admitted to the CBI in November, 'there's no point in me just complaining about Labour', she said, 'it's obvious that we Conservatives lost the confidence of business'. We're not taking lectures from them.'

The PM has now been questioned over 'unsustainable' population growth forecasts by the ONS this week.

Sir Keir Starmer said the public was 'right to be concerned' over a rise in migration under the Conservatives, and the MP should 'talk to his leader'.

And that brings PMQs to a close.

SIr Keir Starmer has been asked about compensation for those injured by the Covid-19 vaccine.

Last week, those who suffered side effects from the vaccine gave evidence to the Covid inquiry.

The PM said he will work with the Health Secretary and keep MPs updated

MP Emily Thornberry has just pushed the PM on compensation for members of the armed forces who were members of the LGBT community.

She says she has a constituent who was sacked from MI6 for being gay.

'We are righting wrongs' in the treatment of LGBT veterans, adding the Foreign Secretary is actively looking at her constituent's case.

Starmer is asked about the Royal Berkshire Hospital that MP Clive Jones says badly needs a rebuild.

He said the rebuild has now been delayed until at least 2037 and that staff currently 'dodge water buckets' around the hospital as they deliver life-saving care.

Starmer replied that the plan for the new hospitals 'only existed in the head of Boris Johnson' and said he understands the frustration of constituents.

Labour MP Rosie Duffield has just asked Keir Starmer about subsidies given to the Drax power station over the past seven years.

She says a new report found that Drax took these subsidies illegally.

Starmer says he will look at the rerport, but does 'not agree with her description' of the report's findings.

Paul Kohler for the Lib Dems asks the PM to focus on 'restorative justice' to cut crime after he was previously put in a life-threatening condition in an attack in his constituency.

Sir Keir said 'we can always do more' on restorative justice, adding he would ensure Mr Kohler could meet with the relevant ministers.

Starmer is asked again about hospitals in North Devon as he is pressed on extra funding for hospitals who now face a decade of waiting before rebuilding work is carried out.

The PM describes the Conservatives' plan as a 'non-plan', adding his government has put in place a 'fully funded' plan to rebuild Barnstable hospital.

He added the Conservatives owe Devon constituents an apology.

A Northern Irish MP pays tributes to the victims of the Omagh bombings and calls for justice for those who lost their lives to IRA actions.

Starmer said he will 'continue to work with leaders in Northern Ireland' in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn before going on to address the bombing.

He said it 'shocked the world' and welcomed the Irish government's commitment to work together to address the bombing, describing it as a very 'serious and important' issue.

Starmer is now being asked about poverty figures released in a new report today.

The PM says the rise in poverty is 'unacceptable' and says his government will make work available to as many people as possible as a 'way out of poverty'.

He added this includes funds committed to help people with disabilities back into the workplace.

The Lib Dem leader said he agrees with Rachel Reeves that growth must be faster.

He called for the establisment of a UK-EU customs union, accusing the Conservatives of setting up 'growth-cancelling trade policies'.

Starmer said he is 'determined' to achieve a reset with the UK, but that his party has clear 'red lines' on a customers union.

Sir Ed Davey is up now to ask questions of the Prime Minister.

He says he recently visited a hospital in Barnstable, where a surgeon described the situation as a 'ticking time bomb'.

He asks whether the PM will meet with MPs who have seen hospital rebuilds delayed.

Starmer says people across the country are 'right to feel angry and betrayed' by the controversial plans to build new hospitals launched by the last government.

He said he is more than happy to talk to MPs affected.

The PM accused the Conservatives of breaking the economy, the NHS and the prison system.

'They've learned absolutely nothing,' he added.

Starmer says Badenoch is 'not a lawyer' and 'not a leader', adding that if she isn't careful she will 'become the next lettuce'.

The Tory leader responded by continuing to hit out at the Employment bill, saying only 'lawyers' and 'trade unions' will benefit from the bill.

Ms Badenoch added that part four of the bill will see the 'biggest expansion of trade union powers in a generation'.

She criticised a clause in the bill which would reduce the notice period to strikes to one week.

Starmer respondced and said the CBI had praised the government's measures just this morning, and reiterated the bill is 'good for workers'.

Badenoch again says the investments pledged by Rachel Reeves this morning were 'all our ideas'.

She added government estimates show changes in the upcoming Employment bill will increase sick pay from £600million to £1billion.

Starmer responded by refusing to drop the measures, which he said are 'good for business and good for workers'.

Kemi Badenoch just accused the PM of 'misleading' Parliament over his education bill.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle interrupted and said Ms Badenoch could not make that accusation.

Instead, she said he 'did not know what was going on', citing an amendment he mentioned in the house last week that has not yet been tabled.

Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch has accused Labour of adopting 'Conservative policies' and destroying growth.

Sir Keir Starmer quoted figures which show the UK is the second-best country for investment in the world and the fastest growing economy in Europe.

He added he will 'not take lectures' from the Tories after Ms Badenoch admitted last year the Conservatives had 'lost the confidence of business'

Asked if his government will pledge to protect pensions and the triple lock, Starmer confirmed his commitment to both.

He added there will be no 'means-tested' approach to the state pension under his government.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said his government is 'removing barriers' to growth as he kicked off Prime Ministers' Questions.

The Chancellor announced support for the Lower Thames Crossing - a new £9 billion road crossing between Kent and Essex.

It would connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile long tunnel under the Thames, which would be the UK's longest road tunnel.

This is aimed at reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to make a final decision on whether to approve the scheme by May 23.

She also said a new cancer hospital would be prioritised.

As part of the troubled new hospitals programme which was started by the Tories in power, the Government will now prioritise a new Cambridge cancer research hospital.

The hospital will bring together Cambridge University, Addenbrookes Hospital and Cancer Research UK.

Responding to the Chancellor's announcments this morning, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has hit back at Labour's Autumn Budget.

Speaking on behalf of the Conservatives, Mr Stride said it was one of 'the biggest barriers to growth in this country'.

He continued: 'The biggest barriers to growth in this country are Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer and their job-destroying budget - and nothing in the Chancellor's speech proved otherwise.

'What's worse, the anti-growth Chancellor could not rule out coming back with yet more tax rises in March.

'This is a Labour Government run by politicians who do not understand business, or where wealth comes from. Under new leadership, the Conservatives will continue to back businesses and hold this Government to account.'

After Rachel Reeves' speech in Oxford this morning, attention is now returning to the House of Commons ahead of PMQs.

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was spotted leaving No.10 Downing Street in the last few minutes to travel to Westminster.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: 'This is the bold, responsible vision the UK needs to thrive in the 21st century and I thank the Government and Chancellor for their leadership.

'It has given us the confidence to confirm our continued support for expanding Heathrow.

'Successfully delivering the project at pace requires policy change - particularly around necessary airspace modernisation and making the regulatory model fit for purpose.

'We will now work with the Government on the expected planning reform and support ministers to deliver the changes which will set us on track to securing planning permission before the end of this Parliament.'

The Oxford Cambridge Arc could become Europe's own Silicon Valley, the Chancellor said in a speech today.

The term relates to a wide area in southern England the covers Cambridge, Oxford, Milton Keynes and Bedford.

The development area is shown in this map:

Rachel Reeves today green-lit plans to create the UK's answer to Silicon Valley with plans for major development between Oxford and Cambridge designed to boost the economy by £78billion.

A new east-west rail link and upgraded roads will link the two major university cities and Milton Keynes, which are hubs for innovation and R&D, the Chancellor said in a major speech this morning.

She also threw government backing behind the creation of new towns in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

A new 'Growth Commission for Oxford' will review how to accelerate growth will be launched, and Lord Vallance, the government's former chief scientific advisor will be appointed as 'Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion'.

The emphasis on the Oxford-Cambridge region marks a shift away from the Tories' 'levelling up' agenda, in which resources were directed to the 'left behind places' in a bid to emulate the levels of prosperity and opportunity in London and the south east.

Read more:

Labour's London mayor Sadiq Khan has said he still does not support the expansion of Heathrow, minutes after Rachel Reeves announced the government's backing of the scheme.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Khan said: 'I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow airport because of the severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets.

'I will scrutinise carefully any new proposals that now come forward from Heathrow, including the impact it will have on people living in the area and the huge knock-on effects for our transport infrastructure.

'Despite the progress that's been made in the aviation sector to make it more sustainable, I’m simply not convinced that you can have hundreds of thousands of additional flights at Heathrow every year without a hugely damaging impact on our environment.'

Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at Heathrow airport, pledged support for the redevelopment of Old Trafford and vowed to help the UK become 'Europe's Silicon Valley' in a slew of major infrastructure projects outlined today.

In case you missed her speech, here's some of the key announcements made by the Chancellor:

• The Chancellor said the Government will help efforts to reopen an airport in South Yorkshire following the closure of Doncaster Sheffield in 2022
• Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will soon visit India to restart talks on a free trade agreement
• The Government will invest £65 million for EV company Connected Kerb to expand their electric vehicle-charging network across the country
• Ms Reeves said the Government will seek private investment to build the Lower Thames Crossing, a new road connecting Kent and Essex running through the Thames
• Lord Patrick Vallance will act as a 'champion' for what she called the 'Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor' that she said could see the UK become 'Europe's Silicon Valley'

Rachel Reeves insisted Heathrow's third runway must go ahead as she unveiled a 'Thatcher-style' emergency growth package.

The Chancellor said the decision on expansion 'cannot be ducked any longer' as she backed a range of projects designed to kick-start the stalling economy.

In a speech in Oxford, she acknowledged business fury at her national insurance raid, saying there were 'costs to responsibility' but the 'costs of irresponsibility would be much higher'.

Blaming other politicians for lacking the 'courage' to prioritise growth, Ms Reeves insisted she was ready to 'fight' for it.

Airport expansion - including support for the long-mooted third runway at Heathrow - and creating 'Europe's Silicon Valley' in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor are among the initiatives.

Read more:

In her speech to business leaders in Oxford today, Rachel Reeves said the Heathrow expansion is 'badly needed' because 'for decades its growth has been constrained'.

Heathrow's plan to build a third runway received parliamentary approval in June 2018, but has been delayed by legal challenges and the coronavirus pandemic.

The airport needs to secure approval for a Development Consent Order to go ahead with the project.

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said he would not continue developing the scheme without the Government confirming it wants expansion.

The scheme would involve around seven years of construction to produce a third runway and a new terminal.

It would also require more than 700 houses to be demolished and the M25 motorway to be moved into a tunnel.

Environmental groups have expressed major concerns over the impact of airport expansion on climate change.

Rachel Reeves said she faced a 'real challenge' when she took over as Chancellor from the last government.

She said she did not 'shy away' from difficult decisions or 'sweep them under the carpet' when Labour came into power.

Pressed on her more optimistic outlook than her 'gloomy' economic warnings of a £22billion black hole, the Chancellor said some of the certainty lacking under the previous government had now listed.

'I am optimistic,' she added.

Asked if she would publish her tax return, Ms Reeves chuckled and thanked journalists 'for the reminder'.

She said Prime Ministers and Chancellors have not generally published their tax returns, and she has 'no plans' to do so.

Asked whether she would rule out any other tax rises in this Parliament, Chancellor Rachel Reeves dodges the question.

She says the Conservatives have opposed tax rises but offered no solutions.

Ms Reeves added she will 'never play fast and lose' with the economy.

'I'm not going to write five years of Budgets in the first six months', she said, but said the last Budget was a 'once in a generation' Budget.

There are emerging markets and new cities around the world the UK is simply not connected to, Rachel Reeves has said.

Answering questions on the Heathrow expansion, Ms Reeves said there is no room at Heathrow to launch better connections to growing business hubs.

She added the expansion was necessary to improve air links around the world.

Rachel Reeves ended her speech in Oxford by saying she is 'determined to deliver to the British people'.

She is now set to take questions from journalists.

A few minutes ago, the Chancellor announced two new investment projects in metals and electric vehicles.

She said the Government will invest in two green energy projects through its National Wealth Fund.

Rachel Reeves said: 'Today, I can announce two further investments by the National Wealth Fund. First, a £65 million investment for Connected Kerb to expand their electric vehicle-charging network across the UK.

'And second, a £28 million equity investment in Cornish Metals, providing the raw materials to be used in solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, supporting growth and jobs in the South West of England.'

Ms Reeves also said the Government was 'removing barriers to deliver 16 gigawatts of offshore wind' in areas like East Anglia and Yorkshire.

Turning to the controversial expansion of London Heathrow airport, Ms Reeves says 60 percent of air freight comes through Heathrow and the vast majority of long-haul flights also depart from Heathrow.

Ms Reeves said a new runway would increase GDP and increase trading opportunities for products such as Scottish salmon and whiskey.

She added the Labour government was 'taking a totally different approach' to the last government on airport expansion.

Citing it as the UK's 'only hub airport', she said a third runway would unlock growth and increase exports.

'I can confirm today that this government supports a third runway at Heathrow,' Ms Reeves said, adding it would be delivered within the UK's environmental standards.

Rachel Reeves said the University of Cambridge has plans for a new flagship innovation centre to attract investment from overseas.

She added she and Angela Rayner had asked Lord Patrick Vallance to head up the project to invest in Oxford and Cambridge.

She cited his experience in science and innovation and said he will work with local leaders on the Oxford Cambridge growth corridor.

Ms Reeves said an overhaul of the region could raise £86billion.

Speaking about changes planned for the Oxford-Cambridge area, she said the region has the 'potential to become a European Silicon Valley'.

The Chancellor said it currently takes 2.5 hours to travel between the two cities, with no direct trains.

Ms Reeves spoke about the OxCam arc, a project dropped by the previous government in 2021.

She said that in collaboration with Deputy PM Angela Rayner, she will fund the transport links needed including rail upgrades between Oxford and Milton Keynes, as well as road upgrades connecting Cambridge and Milton Keynes.

Ms Reeves said the government has already received plans for 18 new towns along the new railway line.

She said once East West rail is operational, it will take just an hour to travel to London from Oxford and just 30 minutes to Cambridge.

Rachel Reeves has said that plans for Old Trafford redevelopment will create 6,000 jobs.

Speaking of projects in the north, she also announced plans to create a South Yorkshire airport hub following the closure of Doncaster airport.

These projects will represent a 'huge vote of confidence in the East Midlands,' she said.

Rachel Reeves has paid tribute to northern cities such as Leeds and Manchester, as she said increased connectivity and better infrastructure is needed.

She said the government will publish a ten-year plan for infrastructure this spring, saying it would 'act as a catalyst' for new housing.

The Chancellor said the government will 'change the default answer' to housing plans around stations to 'yes'.

She said the government would review planning legislation in the Green Book to increase housing opportunities.

'We are now investing 2.6 percent of GDP on average over the next five years,' Ms Reeves has said, an increase from the 1.9 percent planned under the last government.

She added the IMF has upgraded the UK's growth prospects for this year, forecasting the fastest growth of any European country.

She said: 'But there is still more that we can and we will do. I am not satisfied with the position we are in. While we have huge amounts of potential, the structural obstacles in our economy run deep.'

The Chancellor has just announced investments by the National Wealth fund - a £65m investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, and a £28m equity investment in Cornish metals.

The investment in metal will provide the metal for solar panels and wind power, she told the audience.

'Net zero is the industrial opportunity of the 21st century,' she added, pledging to set out further plans later this year.

Reeves added the government will invest in wind power around the UK to create 'home-grown' energy.

Rachel Reeves has announced developers can 'stop worrying about the bats and the newts' as she revealed they would be able to bypass environmental regulations by paying into a nature fund launched by the government.

She said the government would 'work tirelessly' to ensure a new developers bill to be introduced to Parliament in the spring is delivered 'smoothly'.

Rachel Reeves said that politicians in recent years have 'lacked' strength to confront challenges in the economy.

Speaking in Oxfordshire, the Chancellor said: 'The productive capacity of the UK economy has become far too weak.

'Productivity, the driver of living standards, has grown more slowly here than in countries like Germany or the US. The supply side of our economy has suffered due to chronic under-investment and stifling and unpredictable regulation, not helped by the shocks that we have faced in recent years.

'For too long, politicians have lacked the courage or the strength to confront these challenges.

'When presented with a choice, they have not prioritised growth. Instead, they have accepted the status quo and they have been the barrier, not the enablers of change.'

Rachel Reeves has said the nation stands at a moment of change when it comes to trade.

She pledged to 'build on our special relationship' with the US under President Donald Trump.

'Acting in our national interest also means resetting our relationship with the EU,' she said. She also accused the Conservative party of having a policy that was 'not to engage with the EU at all'.

Reeves announced that the Business and Trade Minister will soon travel to India to develop stronger trade links with the country.

Growth is about more than lines on a graph, Rachel Reeves has said as she began a major economic speech.

The Chancellor told an audience in Oxfordshire: 'Growth isn't simply about lines on a graph, it is about the pounds in people's pockets, the vibrancy of our high streets and the thriving businesses that create wealth, jobs and new opportunities for us, for our children, and grandchildren.

'We will have succeeded in our mission when working people are better-off.'

Among the senior Government figures in the audience were Environment Secretary Steve Reed, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and science minister Lord Vallance.

Rachel Reeves says she is determined to deliver 'a whole new approach' to growth and will focus on supporting the supply side of the UK economy.

She said her strategy has three parts - stability, reform and investment.

Ms Reeves said it was her 'duty as Chancellor to fix the foundations of the economy' at the Budget in October.

She said the government is rebuilding the NHS and schools, protecting working people and implementing new fiscal rules.

'The cost of living crisis is still very real,' Rachel Reeves has said.

'Too many people [are] making sacrifices to pay their bills and mortgages,' she told those gathered at the Siemens factory this morning.

She goes on to say the UK is 'at the forefront' of some of the most exciting developments in the world, including AI and investment projects.

'For too long, that potential has been held back. For too long we have accepted low expectations and accepted decline. We no longer have to do that. We can do so much better.

'Low growth no longer has to be our destiny.'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has now begun her speech launching plans for UK growth.

She says the government's 'number one goal' was to spark growth.

'Without economic growth we cannot improve the living standards of ordinary working people,' she said.

Environmental protesters have been pictured outside the Siemans factory where Rachel Reeves is giving her speech this morning.

Protesters held banners and signs reading: 'There's no growth on a dead planet'.

It is thought they are opposing the Heathrow expansion.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to begin speaking in Oxford any minute now.

Follow all the latest updates with us here.

Rachel Reeves will tomorrow unveil plans to create 'Europe's Silicon Valley' in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.

The Chancellor is expected to announce a raft of policies to grow the region that could add £78billion to the UK economy by 2035.

She will confirm funding towards an East-West Rail link between Oxford and Milton Keynes, and an upgrade to the road linking the Buckinghamshire city to Cambridge.

Ms Reeves is set to accelerate the development of a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford, Bedfordshire, as well as backing for the development of new towns along the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.

She will also announce that the Environment Agency has lifted its objections to a new development around Cambridge with 4,500 new homes, as well as office and laboratory space in Cambridge City Centre.

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A redeveloped Old Trafford will be 'the global capital of football' for the 21st century, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said, after the government backed a major redevelopment plan at the site.

He said the project, which also involves relocating freight terminals, will benefit other parts of the North West as well as his city.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'This truly... it's one of those rare projects that's a win-win, the benefits will be felt far and wide.'

Mr Burnham added: 'On the east of Manchester, if you look at what's happened there - and the Commonwealth Games helped that with public money at the time - Manchester City have taken that and poured so much investment in themselves to improve the east of Manchester.

'Imagine that being balanced on the west of Manchester with another major football campus.

'This, without a shadow of a doubt, will be the global capital of football in the rest of the 21st century.'

Ms Reeves' speech in Oxfordshire on Wednesday is expected to lay out plans for projects around the Oxford and Cambridge region, which she will hail as having 'the potential to be Europe's Silicon Valley'.

The UK is a country of 'huge potential' but 'for too long, that potential has been held back', Ms Reeves will say.

An announcement of a new third runway at Heathrow is also expected, and Ms Reeves will reiterate the Government's backing for the redevelopment of the area around Manchester United's football stadium Old Trafford.

She is also expected to reveal plans for new reservoirs will be built near Abingdon in Oxfordshire and in the Fens near Cambridge. They will be among nine new reservoirs built as the Government has agreed for water companies to invest £7.9 billion to improve infrastructure.

Alongside support for a proposed third runway at west London's Heathrow, the Treasury is expected to endorse expansion at Gatwick and Luton airports.

The Business Secretary has said the UK 'can't afford' to be a country that 'doesn't build runways'.

Asked about the expected announcement of support for a third runway at Heathrow, Jonathan Reynolds said he would not 'pre-empt' the Chancellor's speech.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'I want people to know that things that have been too difficult in the past will be focused on, will be changed, will be delivered on, by this Government.

'It's not just about aviation expansion, there's a whole range of things.'

He added: 'We're not going to have endless judicial reviews effectively try to second-guess democratically-elected decisions from the elected government of the day. We will follow process, but that process has got to be one that can deliver the things.

'We simply cannot afford to say we don't build reservoirs any more, we don't build railways, we don't build runways. That's not good enough, we will be left behind.'

Labour donor and green energy boss Dale Vince has said the Chancellor's reported approval of a third runway at Heathrow would be 'the wrong kind of growth'.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think it's a mistake. Actually, I think it's an illusion of growth.

'It'll take 10 years to build a runway, cost maybe £50 billion. It'll create the wrong kind of growth - we'll be exporting tourism money abroad, creating a bigger imbalance than we already have, and it will come at the expense of our carbon-cutting effort.'

Mr Vince, who donated £5 million to Labour in the run-up to the general election, said 'a lot of what Rachel Reeves has done is good' but added 'you don't get everything you want in life... from a political party or government'.

Asked whether the reported plans meant the fight for a green agenda was being lost, he added: 'I think it's the wrong kind of growth. If you look at the net zero economy, it grew 9% in 2023 compared to point 1% for the general economy, so we can have growth, but we shouldn't try to get it in these ways that increase our carbon emissions.

'We've got to decarbonise energy, transport and food, and at the moment we're on course to do energy, and we won't do that with this Heathrow expansion, which is a big mistake.'

The Chancellor's speech on Wednesday will generate a 'sense of excitement, momentum, dynamism', but infrastructure projects 'take time', a minister has said.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told BBC Breakfast: 'I think they will feel a difference this year because of the revisions to growth that we have seen.

'But what the decisions you will see today will mean is that we will generate that sense of excitement, momentum, dynamism, people will be clear that if you aren't investing in the UK you stand to miss out.

'Big infrastructure projects do take time to deliver, but the sense of things happening in the UK, of determination to deliver for the British people, that can be generated by what you will hear today.

'There's some positive signs but we do want to go further. There's not an ounce of complacency in this Government.'

Rachel Reeves will unveil a 'Thatcher-style' emergency growth package today as Labour desperately tries to revive the economy.

The Chancellor is to back a range of projects designed to kick-start activity in a keynote speech this morning.

Airport expansion - including support for the long-mooted third runway at Heathrow - and creating 'Europe's Silicon Valley' in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor are among the initiatives.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer invoked the Tory doyenne's 1980s drive to deregulate the City as he pledged to slash red tape - saying it could have a similar impact on the country's fortunes.

However, critics have voiced extreme scepticism about the sudden focus on growth measures - with Labour's huge Budget tax raid and workers' rights overhaul blamed for crushing confidence.

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Today is set to be a busy day in the world of politics - as well as the weekly Prime Ministers' Questions, which will see Sir Keir Starmer questioned by the leader of the opposition and members of the house, Rachel Reeves is also set to take centre stage.

The Chancellor is due to give a major speech on UK growth from 10am this morning.

It's thought topics under discussion will include the Heathrow expansion, trade updates and a possible announcement on freeports.

Good morning and welcome to MailOnline's live blog.

We'll be bringing you all the latest political news and updates throughout the day.