Keir Starmer previously backed calls for a ‘proper day of celebration’ for the nation when England women’s football team reached the final in the last Euros tournament in 2022
Keir Starmer is facing calls to grant an extra bank holiday if the Lionesses win the Euros 2025 final on Sunday.
The Prime Minister previously backed calls for a “proper day of celebration” for the nation when England women’s football team reached the final in the last Euros tournament in 2022, which was hosted by England.
The then-Opposition Leader told the Mirror: “The whole country will be roaring on the Lionesses in the final… 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.”
England went onto win the match against Germany but the Tory government did not grant a bank holiday for the nation to celebrate the historic victory.
In its latest update, before the Lionesses roared to victory earlier this week, Downing Street said it was “not aware of any plans” for an extra bank holiday. The PM’s official spokesman said he didn’t want to jinx it before the team had reached the final.
Asked about the prospect of one, the PM’s spokesman said on Tuesday: “I’m not aware of any plans for that but when it comes to backing the Lionesses, the PM is sending his best wishes ahead of the semi finals. We cannot get ahead of ourselves.”
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In this year’s Euros tournament, hosted in Switzerland, the Lionesses have once again reached the final. England’s team beat Sweden in the quarter final after coming back from 2-0 and winning on penalties.
Another tense match on Tuesday saw our country win its semi-final match against Italy in a thrilling comeback that saw the winning goal scored in the 119th minute. England will now play Spain on Sunday in the final.
The Liberal Democrats have called for the government grant an extra bank holiday to mark “the talent, success and historic achievement” of the Lionesses.
Max Wilkinson, the party’s culture, media and sport spokesman, told BBC Sport: “Fans and patriots across the country deserve the chance to celebrate the talent, success and historic achievement of this amazing team. A bank holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost.”
After England’s semi-final win over Italy on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said: “What a performance, Lionesses. Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let’s bring it home.”
Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince William is to attend Sunday’s final in Basel in his role as patron of the Football Association. It comes after football fan William congratulated the reigning champions on reaching the final in a last-gasp victory over Italy.
In a message on X, football fan William wrote: “Brilliant performance Lionesses! One game from glory! #WEURO2025.”
After the semi-final win, former England skipper Sir David Beckham and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton both posted an image on Instagram stories with the full-time 2-1 scoreline and the jubilant team in celebration after the nail biting finish. The messages read “Well done lionesses, never a doubt”. England’s men’s captain Harry Kane also said “Congratulations lionesses!! One to go!”
On Wednesday, defender Lucy Bronze said: “I think the fight, the talent, the hard work we have in this England team is unbelievable and to get back-to-back European finals is not an easy feat. Not many teams have done that.”
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