Prime Minister Keir Starmer is poised to declare a bank holiday should England win the World Cup, according to government sources. The Prime Minister himself hinted at the possibility while attending the Nato summit in Ankara, stating, "Let's see what happens if we get there, but 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 potential public holiday would commemorate England's potential first World Cup victory in 60 years.
Ministers typically decline requests for additional bank holidays due to an estimated economic cost of £2.4 billion in lost activity. However, exceptions have been made, such as the bank holiday in 2022 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. Scotland also received an extra bank holiday despite an early exit from the tournament, though England did not receive one following their Round of 16 match against Mexico, which concluded at 4 a.m. Similarly, a bank holiday was not granted when England's women's team won the Euros in 2022.
Government sources indicate that the Prime Minister believes a World Cup win, the nation's first since 1966, warrants national celebrations. Starmer reportedly plans to attend the World Cup final in New Jersey, which could coincide with his final day as Prime Minister before a planned resignation and transfer of power.
Officials have been cautious about specifying a date for a potential bank holiday. England must first defeat Norway in their upcoming match and then win a potential semi-final against Argentina to reach the final on July 19. Whitehall officials noted the logistical challenges of scheduling a bank holiday for the day immediately following a match that could end late.
Sources have not ruled out the possibility of a bank holiday on July 20 if England reaches the final, although this would complicate the handover of power to his successor, Andy Burnham, scheduled for that day. An alternative proposal suggests timing the bank holiday to coincide with a celebratory parade for the returning team.
In a lighter moment at the Nato summit, Starmer discussed England's quarter-final match with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, exchanging football shirts. Starmer expressed his admiration for the team's performance against Mexico, calling it "one of the best England performances I've ever seen."
