The UK government has confirmed that there will be no bank holiday if England win the World Cup, dashing hopes for an extra day off. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that while the nation would celebrate any victory, the economic cost of an additional public holiday is too high.
Government Position
According to a Downing Street spokesperson, the government has no plans to introduce a one-off bank holiday for a World Cup win. The decision comes after previous calls for a holiday following England's Euro 2020 final defeat were rejected. The spokesperson emphasised that the government prefers to support major sporting events through other means, such as funding and infrastructure.
Economic Impact
The estimated cost of a one-off bank holiday is around £1.4 billion to the UK economy, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research. This figure includes lost productivity and additional costs for businesses. The government argues that such a move would be irresponsible given the current economic climate.
Public Reaction
Many fans have expressed disappointment on social media, with some calling for a rethink. However, the government remains firm, noting that no previous World Cup win has resulted in a bank holiday, including England's 1966 victory. The Football Association has not commented on the matter.
