England fans are celebrating after the Three Lions defeated DR Congo in the World Cup on Wednesday night. Thomas Tuchel's side now advance to face Mexico in the round of 16. However, the Government has confirmed there will be no extra Bank Holiday on Monday, July 6, despite the match kicking off at 1 am UK time.
Government rules out Bank Holiday for Mexico clash
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the Government is "backing the England team all the way" but emphasised that "the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established." This decision comes as fans hoped for a day off to recover from the late-night fixture.
Starmer refuses to commit to final win holiday
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, when asked at the G7 summit in France last month about a potential Bank Holiday if England wins the World Cup final on June 19, declined to make any promises. He told reporters: "I'm not gonna jinx the World Cup. But, you know, the last time we won the World Cup it was a Labour government. And so it's absolutely clear that we only win World Cups under a Labour government. So let's hope that this is the next opportunity."
Scotland granted Bank Holiday for World Cup campaign
In contrast, the Scottish Government provided an extra Bank Holiday on Monday, June 15, to mark Scotland's first World Cup campaign in decades. This move highlights the differing approaches across the UK.
England fans are now invited to vote in a poll and join the debate on whether a Bank Holiday should be granted if the team wins the tournament.
