Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given the strongest indication yet that a Bank Holiday could be declared if England wins the World Cup. Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer said he did not want to “jinx” the Three Lions but added, “ask me again if we get to the final.”
Potential Date and Economic Impact
If an extra Bank Holiday is granted, it is expected to fall on Friday, July 24. The latest government estimate suggests that an additional Bank Holiday would cost the economy approximately £2.4 billion. England have not won the World Cup since 1966, and hopes are high that they can end 60 years of hurt by winning this year's tournament.
England's Path to the Final
England beat Mexico 3-2 on Sunday night to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway. A potential semi-final clash awaits against either Argentina or Switzerland. The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, but a Bank Holiday on the following Monday might be logistically challenging.
Political Context
Starmer exchanged banter with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who reminded him of Norway’s 1981 World Cup qualifying victory over England. Store recalled the famous radio commentary: “Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Your boys took one hell of a beating.” Starmer retorted, “What you’re leaving out is that England only win the World Cup under Labour governments – 1966 – so the time is ours.”
Previous Tournaments
England reached the latter stages of the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and the final of Euro 2024, but on no occasion was a day off promised. The latest Bank Holiday speculation comes as Andy Burnham is considered the most likely to take over as prime minister on the same date.
