The government has reportedly set out plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, to be granted only if England win the World Cup in North America this summer. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also expected to make his final trip as PM to the US if England reach Sunday's final, according to the Mirror.
Starmer's Final Trip and Tight Timeline
The Times reports that Starmer will attend the final in New York if England beat Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final. His trip will occur just hours before he tenders his resignation to the King, after announcing last month he would step down as Labour leader. The timeline is feasible due to the time difference: the final kicks off at 3pm local time (8pm BST) and should conclude by 11pm UK time. Starmer will then fly overnight from Newark Liberty Airport to London, arriving to deliver his final address on Downing Street steps before recommending Andy Burnham form the next government.
Bank Holiday Details
The conditional bank holiday on July 24 would give businesses time to prepare and likely coincide with the team's victory parade. Starmer was asked about a bank holiday at the Nato summit earlier this month and 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.”
England's Road to the Final
Thomas Tuchel's side are 90 minutes from becoming the second senior England men's team to reach a World Cup final, following the 1966 victory. They face holders Argentina, powered by Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals in the tournament. England topped Group L, then beat DR Congo in the last 32, co-hosts Mexico 3-2, and Norway in extra time in the quarter-finals.
Starmer previously intervened to block a kick-off time change for England's game against Mexico, fearing an unfair advantage for hosts, and allowed pubs to stay open until 5am for fans to watch.
