Sadiq Khan has confirmed he “remains opposed” to a third runway at Heathrow Airport, putting him on a collision course with Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The mayor of London responded to Reeves’ announcement of the government’s backing for the UK’s only hub airport to expand its facilities during her economic speech on Wednesday.

Rachel Reeves is facing fierce opposition within Labour over her plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Rachel Reeves has told London Mayor Sadiq Khan she is certain to defeat his bid to sabotage her Heathrow expansion scheme. Asked if Mr Khan was able to stop to her third runway plan, the Chancellor replied: ‘No.’ The capital’s Labour mayor could mount a legal challenge, she said, but he would not prevail in the end.

Heathrow expansion would undermine London's 'clean air' progress - The mayor also cast doubt on the project’s economic benefits and said it would worsen noise levels suffered by west Londoners

Reeves made an announcement on Heathrow during a major speech outlining Labour's plans to deliver economic growth.

London mayor Sadiq Khan 'remains opposed' to a third runway at Heathrow, amid rumours of tension within the Labour party over the plans.

Londoners strongly support Heathrow building a third runway, a poll has shown, as the Government faces a row with Sadiq Khan over the plan. More than half of people in the capital (56%) surveyed said they were in favour of the expansion, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday announced the Government would back.

Rachel Reeves sends message to Sadiq Khan as London mayor opposes Heathrow expansionSource: BBC Radio 4