Government responds to calls for bank holiday if England win the World Cup
The government has responded to calls for an extra bank holiday if England wins the Women’s World Cup this weekend.
The Lionesses are gearing up for the final this weekend, where they will take on the Spanish national side.
If they win, they will become the first English football team to win the World Cup since 1966 – having already become the first since then to land themselves in the final fixture.
Hopes are especially high on the back of their victory in last year’s Euros, where they beat Germany 2-1.
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Naturally, talk has also turned to whether or not we’d get a bank holiday if England win, with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirming on Monday that if Australia took the trophy, the government would ‘pursue a public holiday’.
One England fan tweeted: “If the men’s team won the World Cup they would have declared a national bank holiday. So, I’m calling on @RishiSunak to declare a bank holiday when the ladies get the job done, it only fair.”
Someone else said: “NSW has promised a public holiday if the Matildas win the World Cup. Where do I sign for a @Lionesses bank holiday?”
A third begged: “What are we saying King Charles, a bank holiday if the #Lionesses win the #WorldCup.”
The government has now responded to the calls, but sadly it’s not looking too good.
The track record doesn’t bode well, given that we didn’t get one when the Lionesses won the Euros – nor did the government consider one in the event that the men’s team won Euro 2020 after a promising performance throughout the tournament.
When asked by the BBC if there could be a change of heart this time, a spokesperson said: "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."
Damn.
It’s hardly surprising, given just how much bank holidays are believed to cost.
According to the BBC, a 2010 House of Commons library report put the bill for an extra bank holiday at a whopping £2.9 billion.
The Bank of England and Office of Budget Responsibility have also both argued that it negatively impacts growth.
After the incredible semi-final triumph, England captain Millie Bright said it was a moment the team had ‘wanted for so long’.
"We had amazing success last summer, but we always knew there was something missing and it was the World Cup,” she told BBC One.
“Now we have that opportunity and like Less (Russo) said before, the dream remains alive. What an incredible semi-final.”
She added that to lead the team out for the final on Sunday will feel ‘incredible’, saying: “Crazy, to be honest I’m just keeping two feet on the ground and remaining on task and focused.
“I don’t even have any words for that, to be saying we’re going to the final is crazy and overwhelming – there’s so many different emotions.
“Just so happy we could give the fans the dream they wanted back home and the fans that are here as well, but to lead them out will be absolutely incredible.”
Jess Hardiman