Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that an England World Cup victory could lead to an extra bank holiday, following the team's quarter-final clash with Norway. Speaking at the Nato conference in Ankara on Wednesday, Starmer praised England's Monday win over Mexico as "one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen". A win against Norway would bring England closer to a first World Cup triumph in 60 years.
Bank Holiday Proposal
When asked whether he would support a bank holiday if England wins the tournament, Starmer told reporters: "I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final." The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, and sources suggest the following Friday, July 24, has been earmarked as the most likely date for a celebratory bank holiday.
Banter with Norwegian Counterpart
During the Nato summit, Starmer exchanged light-hearted banter with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, reminding him that England only wins the World Cup under a Labour government. Starmer said: "I’m a good friend of his. The Norway-UK relationship is as strong as it’s ever been and he’s a key individual in the coalitions that we’ve been building. But for 90 minutes on Saturday evening, we’ll have to go our different ways as we go into that match."
Red Card Controversy
Starmer also addressed calls to overturn Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, after Donald Trump persuaded FIFA to suspend US player Folarin Balogun’s suspension. Starmer stated: "I can’t tell you how many messages I’ve had to rescind the red card that we received in the early hours of Monday. I hasten to add, I haven’t attempted to do that."
