Key facts
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of an extra bank holiday if England wins the World Cup.
- Starmer stated he would provide an answer on the bank holiday if England reaches the final.
- The potential bank holiday would be on Friday, July 24, following the World Cup final on July 19.
- England is currently in the quarter-finals, facing Norway.
- England's men's team has not won a World Cup in 60 years.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that an extra bank holiday could be granted to the nation if England emerges victorious in the World Cup. Speaking from the NATO summit, Starmer stated that he would address the possibility of a day off if the team reaches the final, avoiding a direct commitment to prevent 'jinxing' their success. The potential bank holiday is understood to be scheduled for Friday, July 24, allowing time for the team to return from the final match on July 19.
England is currently preparing for a quarter-final match against Norway, having secured their place in the last eight with a 3-2 victory over Mexico. The team's last World Cup win was in 1966, 60 years ago. Starmer, who has previously called for a day of celebration for the Lionesses' Euro final victory, jokingly reminded Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that England only wins World Cups under Labour governments.
However, not all political figures are in favor. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed reservations, suggesting that a bank holiday would disproportionately benefit the public sector while the private sector would continue working, leading to increased costs.