Prime Minister Keir Starmer could see attending the World Cup final as his last official act if England secures victory, a scenario that would occur as he is set to be replaced in Downing Street. Starmer is scheduled to hand over power to Andy Burnham on Monday, following an "effectively ousted" situation as Labour leader.
He is expected to attend his final Prime Minister's Questions at noon on the day of England's semi-final match against Argentina, rather than traveling to Atlanta for the game. However, the avid football fan is widely anticipated to travel to New Jersey for the tournament's conclusion, provided England advances, offering a potential farewell moment amidst his political transition.
Should England win and secure the trophy, Starmer is also preparing to grant a Bank Holiday for the nation. He would need to return immediately after the semi-final to be present for the handover of power to the King.
Falklands Tensions Rise Ahead of Match
The upcoming semi-final is marked by escalating tensions, amplified by footage of Argentine players chanting about the Falkland Islands and Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal from 40 years ago. Argentine foreign minister Pablo Quirno asserted in an essay for La Nacion newspaper that a referendum supporting UK sovereignty over the islands was illegitimate, characterizing the population as "artificially implanted by the occupying power." The 2013 referendum overwhelmingly favored remaining a British overseas territory. Mr. Quirno argued that any unilateral UK poll lacks legal effect and called for negotiations.
Downing Street has refuted these claims, stating that the territory's sovereignty is not negotiable. The historical context of the Falklands War, which Argentina lost with significant casualties, remains a sensitive issue, with Maradona having previously described his "Hand of God" goal as "symbolic revenge."
