Calls For Extra Bank Holiday If England Win Euro 2022 Backed By Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer is up for giving us an extra bank holiday if the England women's football team take victory in the Euro 2021 final this weekend.
The Lionesses have been one of the rare feel good stories of the summer in the UK and booked their ticket to Sunday's (July 31) Wembley final when they beat Sweden 4-0 at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Tuesday (July 26).
Labour leader Starmer was at the game with his wife Victoria and backed widespread calls for a national bank holiday should they bring home the trophy at the weekend.
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Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Starmer said: “The whole country will be roaring on the Lionesses in the final on Sunday.
"They have already done us proud, but if they win it will be a truly historic achievement - one that should be marked with a proper day of celebration, where clubs can open and promote access for women and girls.”
Starmer's endorsement for a public holiday follows Tory former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey's own calls for a day of celebration.
Tory former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch told the Mirror: “The Lionesses have already made the nation so proud, blazing a trail for women’s football everywhere.
"If we win on Sunday, let’s give everyone a chance to celebrate with a special bank holiday as we said we would for the men.
"It’s coming home!”
Davey meanwhile backed the calls by saying: "If football comes home then the country must be allowed to celebrate it.
"Our Lionesses have already done England proud with their winning spirit and exciting playing style.
"I see no reason why the country can't come together and treasure an amazing sporting achievement."
Outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson hasn't mentioned a public holiday but did tweet his congratulations to the Lionesses.
He said: "On to Wembley! A fantastic result for Captain @leahcwilliamson and the @Lionesses tonight against Sweden.
"Come on England, bring it home."
Johnson had faced a public clamour himself last summer after England men's team looked like they might take home the Euros on reaching the final against Italy at Wembley.
Apparently the Government had discussed the idea at the time but sources stressed ideas were only ever at the early stages.
Ahead of last year's final, Johnson had refused to rule out the idea, saying: “I think that would be tempting fate - let's see.”
In the final on Sunday, The Lionesses will come up against Germany, who booked their place at Wembley with a 2-1 victory over France.
The final will kick-off at 5:00pm at Wembley and is expected to be a sell-out in a huge moment for the women's game in Britain.
Simon Catling