Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that England could be granted an extra Bank Holiday if the national football team wins the World Cup. When asked at the Nato conference this week, Starmer stated he did not want to "jinx it" but told reporters to "ask me again if we get to the final," leaving the door open for a possible Bank Holiday.
Likely Date for a Celebratory Bank Holiday
With the World Cup final scheduled for Sunday, July 19, the following Friday, July 24, not Monday, July 20, is currently considered the most likely date for a celebratory Bank Holiday. This update comes ahead of England's critical quarter-final match against Norway this Saturday, following what Starmer called "one of the best England performances I've ever seen" against Mexico.
Government Position on Bank Holidays
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government assured The Express that the Government would be "backing the England team all the way" but added that "the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established" when asked if there are plans in place for a new July 20 Bank Holiday Monday, and declined to promise a new one. Starmer also confirmed he has not attempted to intervene with FIFA to overturn the red card given to England player Jarell Quansah during the Mexico match, despite outside pressure to do so.
