The Prime Minister is facing calls for a bank holiday after England’s women’s team won their second successive European Championship title. The Lionesses defeated Spain on penalties in the final in Switzerland prompting calls for the country to be given a bank holiday to celebrate the team’s success.
Sir Keir Starmer posted on X: “Champions! Congratulations Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”
The tweet was inundated with calls for a bank holiday although a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said before the final that there are “no plans” for an extra bank holiday if England won.
One person said: “Give us a bank holiday.”
“Where’s our bank holiday bruv,” another replied. A third added: “You said we’d get bank holiday lad.”
Many have accused the Prime Minister of hypocrisy for his stance during the World Cup in 2023 while he was Leader of the Opposition.
Prior to the game, Starmer said: “I’m never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”
Before England men’s European final against Spain last year, the Labour leader once more hinted that success could lead to an extra day off.
He said: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it.”
Politicians are amongst those calling for the government to grant the country an extra bank holiday to mark the unprecedented success.
Before the game, Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Max Wilkinson said: “The Lionesses can make history on Sunday and retain the Euros title they won so memorably three years ago.
“The Lionesses can make history on Sunday and retain the Euros title they won so memorably three years ago. Retaining the title would be one of our country’s greatest sporting achievements.
“Fans and patriots across the country deserve the chance to celebrate the talent, success and historic achievement of this amazing team.
“A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost.
“The Prime Minister is a football fan – we’ve all seen the pictures of him enjoying a kick around with his mates.
“If Wiegman’s heroes deliver glory, we’ll all be hoping he’ll put the ball into an empty net by giving the Lionesses and the rest of us a chance to mark the occasion.”
The Football Association have confirmed that England will enjoy a homecoming celebration in central London on Tuesday 29 July with further details set to be released in the coming hours.