Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airport expansions 'poised for govt go-ahead'

Bloomberg said Reeves was considering announcing “some or all of the decisions” in a speech about growth due to take place later this month. It added a planned Universal Studios theme park at Bedford was also viewed favourably.

Regardless of Reeves’ planned speech, a decision on Gatwick is due by 27 February, with Luton’s in early April.

However, plans for airport expansion will put the government at loggerheads with environmental organisations, with opponents of Gatwick’s plans saying they will launch a legal challenge.

Campaign group Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions said: "Any airport expansion shows a lack of understanding and priority placed by this government towards global warming and yet we see the signs constantly on the news of flooding, fires and rising temperatures."  

Alethea Warrington, head of aviation at climate charity Possible added: “Approving airport expansions would be a catastrophic misstep for a government which claims to be a climate leader. 

“This huge increase in emissions won’t help our economy and would just encourage the small group of frequent flyers who take most of the flights, further worsening the UK’s huge tourism deficit.” 

The government is likely to stress how the move towards sustainable fuels will mitigate the impact of expansion, however this would not take into account local noise and pollution impacts.