Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer could spend his final day in office flying to the United States to watch the World Cup final, with the trip funded by taxpayers. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, the day before Starmer is expected to hand over power to Andy Burnham.
Timing and logistics
According to The Times, Downing Street officials are exploring plans to get Starmer, a football enthusiast and Arsenal fan, to the US for the final if England defeats Argentina in the semifinal. The time difference means the match would end by 6pm UK time, allowing Starmer to fly back on a government plane, typically the RAF Voyager (Vespina), for a seven-hour overnight flight to London. He would then go directly to Downing Street for his final speech before heading to Buckingham Palace to bid farewell to King Charles and handing over the keys to No10 to Andy Burnham.
Cost to taxpayers
The use of the private government plane for the transatlantic journey would be at taxpayer expense. A Downing Street source told The Times: “The timing meant there would be no need to postpone the handover of power, but final details of the plan are still being drawn up.”
Potential bank holiday
Starmer has all but confirmed he would grant a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup, ending 60 years of hurt. Asked about the possibility at the Nato summit last week, he said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.” The bank holiday would not fall on the Monday after the final, which is his last day in office, but likely on the Friday after, coinciding with a victory parade for the England team, who may not return from New Jersey until Monday.
