The shadow chancellor is expected to announce that a future Conservative government would "do whatever it takes" to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport, aiming to overcome long-standing obstacles and accelerate the project's timeline.
Conservative conference pledge
In his speech at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham, Andrew Griffith will say: "We're 'all in' for growth and we will legislate to sweep away the blockers to getting the infrastructure our country needs built."
Mr Griffith will also state: "I refuse to accept for a single moment that the country of (Isambard Kingdom) Brunel and (Joseph) Bazalgette, of the vaccine taskforce and the Mulberry harbours (built off the coast of Normandy during the Second World War) has to sit around waiting until the 2040s to get a third runway built."
He will tell party backers: "Countries on the rise have the best infrastructure and connectivity to the world, but our national hub airport is being held back. The next Conservative government will do whatever it takes to end the delays and boost capacity by backing the third runway."
Government's position
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an "open mind" on whether the country's busiest airport should get a third runway, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who spoke at the Labour party conference in Liverpool last week.
Mr Burnham said Heathrow Airport's future was "a matter for London and Londoners" during an appearance on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme. "I think it's right that we hear what people have said through the consultation and then consider the way forward from there," he added.
At a Politico fringe event in Liverpool, Ms Alexander said: "I think Andy's got an open mind." She noted the Prime Minister wanted to "listen to the views of communities", including "the communities most affected in London" and businesses, and added: "He'll be listening to the views of other airports."
Airport's response and timeline
Heathrow Airport bosses have planned to secure permission for a third runway by 2029, and it is understood the runway would not be operational until 2039.
Thomas Woldbye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, said: "We welcome the growing 'can do' consensus behind Heathrow expansion and the Conservative leadership's recognition of the role we can play in driving growth across the UK. Heathrow and our investors stand ready to work with politicians from across the spectrum to finally get the third runway built."
Mr Griffith's pledge to cut through red tape comes as the airport continues its consultation process, with the final decision on the runway's fate resting with the government and local communities.
