Chances of a Bank Holiday if England win Women's World Cup final
Brits are roaring on the Lionesses during the Women's World Cup final today, but many are asking the same question: Will there be a celebratory bank holiday if England wins?
Despite Labour leader Keir Starmer calling for one, the answer in short is no. The Government said an extra bank holiday is not currently in its plans, adding it will find the "right way to celebrate" if the Lionesses emerge victorious.
A spokesperson said: "Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we'll find the right way to celebrate. As Sarina Wiegman herself has said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be rooting for the Lionesses this weekend."
The remarks followed an earlier statement to the BBC, which also said: "The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this." Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer similarly said a bank holiday is not being considered.
Ella Toone of England celebrates her goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup match against Australia (Getty Images)Speaking in Sydney, she said: "We will definitely be celebrating the victory of the Lionesses, whether they win in the final or not, they've done a tremendous, tremendous amount of work to get to this stage, and we will be marking it definitely in some way. A bank holiday isn't something that we're considering at the moment."
Women's World Cup hosts write to FIFA over controversial Visit Saudi sponsorship
Writing on Twitter earlier this week, Sir Keir said: "It's almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. I'm never complacent about anything... but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home."
And Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha, when told the Government was pouring cold water on the bank holiday idea, replied on Channel 4 News: "Well I think if the men's team won the World Cup, I'd definitely think they wouldn't think twice, right? So it deserves some kind of marking, it deserves some kind of national holiday definitely or something."
Ms Chadha praised the players who have "absolutely driven" the Lionesses, adding: "Spain is a great team, but I do believe it's theirs (England) - this is their World Cup, our World Cup." TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "We all hope our amazing Lionesses can get over the line on Sunday.
"And if they do bring it home, the Government should do the right thing and allow the country to celebrate with a special bank holiday. It would be mean-spirited not to do so."
A petition on the Parliament website had been set up asking for a bank holiday, stating: "I'd like the Government to declare a bank holiday for all workers in the United Kingdom. Then we can celebrate in the achievements of England's football team."
A 2010 House of Commons library report said the then government estimated an additional bank holiday would cost the economy £2.9 billion. Official figures released last month showed the UK economy contracted in May after businesses across the country downed tools for the King's coronation.
Gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.1% for the month, after increasing by 0.2% in April, the Office for National Statistics said. The contraction was driven by the extra bank holiday weekend for the royal occasion, meaning sectors like construction and finance lost a working day in the month.
And although the Government has ruled out a bank holiday, millions of supporters up and down the country are set for huge celebrations if an England senior team win their first World Cup since 1966. Supporters have flocked to pubs and bars for the 11am kick-off (BST), with the game tipped to give a £185 million boost to the UK economy.
The Lionesses booked their spot in the final against Spain after a comprehensive 3-1 victory over host nation Australia. Ahead of the match, the King issued a rallying cry of "roar to victory" and the Prime Minister urged players to bring the trophy home, although neither is attending the game Down Under.
In semi-final goal scorer Lauren Hemp's home town in Norfolk, fans said they were backing "our girl", saying they were "football mad" ahead of the crunch game against Spain. England men's manager Gareth Southgate also wished good luck to the team, but admitted he had "no advice" to offer a team that has accomplished what his has not.
VAR history made as referee explains his decision to crowd at Club World Cup
No senior member of the British royal family is attending the match, but Queen Letizia of Spain will be there with her 16-year-old daughter Ifanta Sofia in order to show her country's commitment to national football. Heir to the throne Prince William apologised to the Lionesses for not being there in a video message on Saturday.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
