Sir Keir Starmer has issued an update on a potential bank holiday should England win the World Cup, during his final Prime Minister's Questions session on Wednesday. Facing Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for the last time, Starmer used the platform to joke about a crucial appointment with his television at 8pm tonight, as MPs quizzed him ahead of England's 2026 World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Liberal Democrat MP Proposes Bank Holiday
Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster asked whether a bank holiday would be declared if England wins the World Cup. Starmer responded cautiously, saying he did not want to jinx tonight's match. He suggested Forster should ask again on Sunday, should England progress. If Thomas Tuchel's side defeats Argentina, they will face Spain in the final on 19 July, after Spain knocked out tournament favourites France.
Business Secretary Confirms Possibility
Business Secretary Peter Kyle later confirmed that an extra bank holiday is a real option. Speaking to LBC, he said: "When it comes to the possibility of a bank holiday, that's actually a decision for my department and myself and the Prime Minister, and of course that will be made public should the circumstances arise. Do I want those circumstances to arise? You bet I do."
Hillsborough Law and Press Accountability
During PMQs, Labour MP Rupa Huq praised the Hillsborough accountability bill passed yesterday, but asked if the Prime Minister also supports an accountability law for the "gutter press". Starmer affirmed the bill would prevent other injustices like Hillsborough.
Light-Hearted Exchange with Lib Dem Leader
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey lightened the mood, recommending the new Toy Story movie to Starmer now that he has more free time. Davey quipped: "For those of you who don’t know, Toy Story, its main character, used to be in law enforcement, but was mainly known for being little wooden. So it was replaced by shiny new action figure from far away who thinks he can fly, and the name Andy’s on everyone’s lips."
