Keir Starmer's comments on Bank Holiday if England win Euros after King's demand (2024)

England are set to take on Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin after beating the Netherlands and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed his stance on a new Bank Holiday for the nation

England fans WILL be treated to a Bank Holiday if Gareth Southgate's side win Euro 2024... should Prime Minister Keir Starmer get his way.

The Three Lions are set to take on Spain in the final on Sunday evening in Berlin, a game that Starmer will attend. They booked their spot after Ollie Watkins’ dramatic late goal against the Netherlands. Fans have called for a Bank Holiday should the Three Lions end their 58-year wait for a major trophy. And it appears that Starmer would be on board with the idea.

Asked if there will be an extra day off if England win on Sunday, he said: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again. I don’t want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday.”

The new prime minister previously shared his stance last year ahead of the Lionesses’ World Cup final showdown with Spain in Australia. Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “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 he also told The Mirror the same in an exclusive interview, declaring: "If they win it will be a truly historic achievement, one that should be marked with a proper day of celebration."

He has also dropped a similar hint during a during a meeting with US President Joe Biden. The latter told reporters the Three Lions’ success was “all because of the Prime Minister”.

Starmer then replied: “Not lost a game under a labour government.” A reporter asked: “Is football coming home, Prime Minister?” to which he quickly retorted: “It looks like it.”

Should England get a bank holiday if they win the Euros? Share your thoughts in the comments below

However, while Starmer was on board, the then Conservative government were then not so convinced. A spokesperson said at the time: "We congratulate the Lionesses on their fantastic achievement in getting to the Women's World Cup final. The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this."

To rub salt into the wound, the Lionesses ended up losing the final 1-0. Gareth Southgate ’s men will certainly hope for better luck this time around.

Taking to Twitter after Wednesday’s victory over the Netherlands, Starmer wrote: “What a game @England and what a winner. Berlin here we come!”

If Starmer does go ahead with a day off, he'll find backing from Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey who declard on Thursday: “The Three Lions are playing their first ever final on foreign soil, and if they bring it home, the government should bring home a bank holiday to celebrate. England deserves the chance to celebrate a once in a generation event. Who knows we might even get decent weather.”

Amid calls for a new Bank Holiday, King Charles has also issued a simple demand to the Three Lions - to reduce the drama. He wrote: "My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.

"If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England."

Preparations are also underway for a victory parade throughut the streets of London. A massive open-top bus parade, carrying the England team from the Guildhall to Buckingham Palace, via Trafalgar Square could take place on Tuesday.

Mr Starmer would meet the team in Downing Street on Monday, with a royal reception likely to be headed by Prince William then the next stop for the Three Lions.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.