The Prime Minister has suggested that an additional bank holiday could be considered if England go on to win the World Cup this month.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening as they continue their bid for international glory. Should they progress, they would still need to navigate a semi-final before reaching the final, which is scheduled to take place in New Jersey on 19 July.
Speaking about the prospect of a national celebration should England lift the trophy, Sir Keir Starmer stopped short of making any firm commitment but indicated the idea was under consideration.
Asked whether a World Cup victory could result in an extra bank holiday, the Prime Minister replied:
“On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
His comments are likely to fuel speculation that ministers could announce a one-off public holiday if England secure their first World Cup triumph since 1966.
It is understood that, in the event of an England victory, the proposed bank holiday would fall on Friday 24 July, giving workers and families an extended weekend to celebrate the achievement.
The timing of the tournament also coincides with significant political developments at Westminster. Sir Keir is widely expected to step down as Prime Minister on 20 July, the day after the World Cup final, with Labour leader Andy Burnham anticipated to succeed him.
Should England reach the final, it is considered likely that the Prime Minister would attend the match in the United States. Any overseas trip associated with the fixture could potentially affect the timing of the planned transition of power, although no official announcement has been made.
For now, however, discussions about a bank holiday remain purely hypothetical. England must first overcome Norway in the quarter-finals and then win both a semi-final and the final before any national celebrations can be planned.
With the prospect of World Cup success on the horizon, football supporters will be hoping the Prime Minister is asked that question again in just over a week’s time.
What do you think?
If England were to win the World Cup, should the country celebrate with an extra bank holiday?
Supporters argue that a once-in-a-generation sporting achievement would deserve a national day of celebration, bringing communities together and boosting national morale.
Critics, however, point out that every additional bank holiday comes at a cost. Businesses, particularly small firms, often face higher wage bills, lost productivity and reduced trading days, while some sectors struggle to absorb the financial impact.
So where do you stand? Would an England World Cup victory justify another day off, or is the country already carrying too much economic pressure for an extra bank holiday? Let us know in the comments.
