Will the UK get another bank holiday if England win the World Cup? Political leaders have their say

England are into the latter stages of another World Cup at least. Beer gardens, fan parks and front rooms across the country are abuzz with anticipation over whether the Three Lions can lift the biggest prize in international football again 60 years on from the heroics of 1966.

If Thomas Tuchel’s team succeed this summer, there will be celebrations, parades and so much more to welcome the team home but will there be a new national holiday?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has so far only dropped hints.

"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,” he said ahead of England’s quarter-final clash with Norway on 11th July.

Andy Burnham, the man expected to replace him as the new leader of the Labour Party later this summer, and the new Prime Minister of the UK, has also refused to commit to the idea.

“We do have to live in hope,” he told LBC. “I think, you know, it might be a bit premature to be speculating.

“It would be a fantastic moment, wouldn’t it, and we can hope and pray that. I’m an Evertonian, I do not ever back anything when it comes to football, I don’t do it with England either."

Press Box PR put the question over whether England winning the World Cup should lead to a new national holiday to the other leaders and spokespeople of parties across the political spectrum.

The Conservative Party

Nigel Huddleston MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom, told Press Box PR: “Sadly, bank holidays require legislation and the Kings approval.”

However, he did advise employers to be considerate and receptive to the idea of giving their staff time off, regardless of whether or not the state intervenes in an official capacity.

“I appeal to all bosses, where possible, to be flexible about working hours on Monday — including the parliament whips!”

Liberal Democrats

Anna Sabine MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, told Press Box PR that the question of whether or not the country should get a national holiday is more down to needs than wants.

"Touch wood, but if England wins the whole thing, the country is going to need a bank holiday just to recover,” she said.

Green Party

The Green Party have been approached for comment. This article will be updated in due course should they respond.

Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru have been approached for comment. This article will be updated in due course should they respond.

Reform UK

Reform UK have been approached for comment. This article will be updated in due course should they respond.

Restore Britain

Restore Britain have been approached for comment. This article will be updated in due course should they respond.

Scottish National Party

The SNP have been approached for comment. This article will be updated in due course should they respond.

Your Party

Your Party have been approached for comment. This article will be updated in due course should they respond.

Labour

The Labour Party and Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, were approached for comment but referred Press Box PR to the recent comments by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

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