Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, faces mounting pressure over a forgotten promise to grant an extra Bank Holiday if England wins the World Cup. The pledge, made in 2023 when he was Leader of the Opposition, has resurfaced as England's men's team advances in the tournament under manager Thomas Tuchel.
Starmer's 2023 Call for a Bank Holiday
In August 2023, during the Women's World Cup, Starmer tweeted: "There should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home." The Lionesses ultimately lost the final, so no holiday was needed. But now, with the men's team winning their opening match 4-2 against Croatia, the prospect of a final on July 19 has revived the issue.
When asked about the Bank Holiday at the G7 summit, Starmer stopped short of a commitment, saying he did not want to "jinx it"—a remark interpreted as referring to England's chances rather than his own political survival.
Scotland's Example and Political Context
Scotland has already added an extra Bank Holiday simply for qualifying for the tournament, setting a precedent that England fans argue should be followed. However, Starmer's position is precarious: a leadership challenge from Andy Burnham, who recently won a by-election, could unseat him before July 19.
According to Deputy Audience Editor Alex Evans, writing on June 21, 2026, "Back out now and England fans will not forgive Mr Starmer if they have to drag themselves into work on July 20 nursing a hangover worthy of 60 years of hurt."
Impact and Forgiveness
The promise was not in the Labour Party manifesto, but Starmer's clear call as opposition leader creates an expectation. With Scotland's move, the pressure is on to honour the pledge. Failure to do so risks alienating a key voter base ahead of a potential leadership change.
