An extra bank holiday for England if they win the World Cup could be under threat as Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership lies in tatters. Starmer is weighing up his political future as pressure grows on him to announce his resignation.
Starmer's Political Crisis
It comes as cabinet ally Peter Kyle said the prime minister was considering "political realities" after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election last week cleared a path for him to challenge for the Labour Party leadership. Starmer is reportedly set to lay out a timetable for his resignation as early as today (Monday, June 22).
Bank Holiday Promise
Starmer’s future will be closely watched by Three Lions fans desperate for him to fulfil his hints of a bonus bank holiday should Thomas Tuchel’s men win the World Cup in July. Starmer has teased a potential bank holiday for a 2026 World Cup win. While at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday (June 17), Starmer suggested the day off, referencing his history of supporting sports-related holidays.
Starmer replied: “I’m not gonna jinx the World Cup. But, you know, the last time we won the World Cup it was a Labour government. And so it’s absolutely clear that we only win World Cups under a Labour government.” According to the Sun, the PM said: “So let’s hope that this is the next opportunity. He’s got a great squad. This is going to be a good game tonight, probably the hardest in the group games this evening. So we’re looking forward to seeing the starting lineup what it’s going to be.”
Starmer's Support for England
He said: “And don’t take it that the lineups in the friendlies are going to be the starting lineup for tonight.” Sir Keir said: “Tonight, we can dare to dream again because we have a brilliant three lions squad, packed with all the talent and experience to get that second star on the shirt. Like every England fan, I’ll be roaring on Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane and the entire England squad. Come on England.”
When England’s women reached the World Cup final in 2023, he posted on Twitter: “There should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.” But if Starmer is to step down before that date, the bank holiday hopes could be extinguished, with Mr Burnham having made no on-the-record comment over his stance on an extra day off for winning major tournaments.
