Labour MPs have tabled a proposal for an extra bank holiday in England in July 2026, contingent on the England national football team winning the FIFA World Cup. The motion, filed as an Early Day Motion (EDM), has garnered support from 16 Members of Parliament across the political spectrum, including several Labour government politicians.
Details of the Proposal
The EDM notes that the 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. It recognizes that an England victory would be a rare national moment, potentially uniting families, neighbors, and communities through local celebrations in town centers, community venues, and grassroots sports clubs. The motion calls on the government to designate Monday, July 20, 2026, as an additional bank holiday to enable communal festivities and strengthen civic pride.
Supporting MPs
The motion's primary sponsor is the first signatory, with the initial six members acting as sponsors. Among the supporters are Labour MPs Lee Pitcher, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Lorraine Beavers, Jon Trickett, Margaret Mullane, Jonathan Brash, Andrew Gwynne, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Cat Eccles, Simon Opher, Luke Myer, Rebecca Long Bailey, Peter Prinsley, and Tristan Osborne. Independent MP James McMurdock and DUP MP Jim Shannon have also signed.
Previous Statements on Bank Holidays
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously addressed the idea of bank holidays for sporting achievements. Before becoming PM, he urged the Conservative government to grant a bank holiday after the Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory. However, after the Lionesses repeated their success in 2025, Starmer ruled out a holiday. He also declined to support one in 2024 when England's men reached the Euro 2024 final but lost to Spain.
Former Conservative Sports Minister Tracey Crouch expressed support for a bank holiday, stating, "The Lionesses have already made the nation so proud... If we win on Sunday, let's give everyone a chance to celebrate." Similarly, former Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey remarked, "If football comes home then the country must be allowed to celebrate it."
