Last night, the Lionesses defeated Spain on penalties in dramatic fashion in the Euros final in Switzerland, sparking a frenzy across the country and further 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 . Many have accused Sir Keir of hypocrisy for his stance during the World Cup in 2023 while he was Labour Party leader. There was no Bank Holiday in place in 2022 when England’s women lifted the Euros trophy for the first time, but the Leader of the Opposition at the time, Sir Keir Starmer, backed calls for a Bank Holiday. He had called the idea “a proper day of celebration”.
And when England’s women reached the World Cup final in 2023, he posted on Twitter: “There should be a celebratory Bank Holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”
But the Prime Minister’s spokesman has confirmed to the BBC that, in an apparent change of heart, there are “no plans” for an extra Bank Holiday this Monday.
Politicians are among 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.”