Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that an additional bank holiday could be declared if the England national football team wins the World Cup. The team is scheduled to play Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday night, with the final set for Sunday, July 19.
Starmer, responding to questions about the possibility of a day off for the nation, stated, "On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final." This cautious remark suggests that a decision would likely be made only if England reaches the final stage of the tournament.
Speculation suggests that if England were to win, the bank holiday would be observed on Friday, July 24. The upcoming quarter-final match presents the first hurdle for the team, followed by a potential semi-final and the final itself.
England's progress in the tournament could also influence the timing of a political transition. It is widely anticipated that Starmer is expected to step down as prime minister the day after the final, with Andy Burnham poised to succeed him. If England reaches the final, the prime minister's attendance at the game might briefly delay this handover of power.