The UK Government has broken its silence after a tidal wave of public support crashed onto its doorstep. An official petition, demanding an extra bank holiday should England bring football home from Euro 2024, has smashed through the 100,000 signature threshold, forcing a formal response from Westminster.
The passionate campaign, hosted on the official Parliament petitions site, argues that the entire nation deserves a day to properly celebrate a historic victory, should Gareth Southgate's Three Lions triumph in the final on July 14th in Berlin.
The Government's Cautious Stance
In its carefully worded reply, the government acknowledged the immense 'excitement and support' surging behind the national team. However, it stopped short of making any concrete promises, highlighting the significant economic and practical implications of declaring a new bank holiday.
The response pointed out that while the power to create bank holidays rests with the UK Government, the process is not taken lightly. The statement noted that each bank holiday costs the economy an estimated £2.7 billion, a major factor in any decision-making process.
A Nation Holds Its Breath
The petition's meteoric rise reflects the fever-pitch anticipation across the country. From pubs in London to parks in Manchester, fans are daring to dream that this could be England's year, adding a tangible prize—a day off—to the prospect of sporting glory.
All eyes are now on the semi-final clash against the Netherlands this Wednesday. A victory there would see England advance to its second consecutive European Championship final, setting the stage for a potential national celebration unlike any other in recent memory.
The government's response concludes by wishing the team the best of luck, leaving the door tantalisingly open but making no guarantees. The fate of the bank holiday now rests as much on the boot of Harry Kane as it does on the deliberations in Whitehall.
