Sir Keir Starmer has called for the Government to allow for an extra bank holiday if the Lionesses win Sunday’s World Cup Final.
It comes after goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave England a 3-1 win over the Matildas after a superb display in Sydney on Wednesday.
Sir Keir tweeted: “It's almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. I'm never complacent about anything…but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”
But a Government spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed that an extra bank holiday is not currently in ministers’ plans should the Lionesses win.
They said: “Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we’ll find the right way to celebrate.
“As Sarina Wiegman herself has said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be rooting for the Lionesses this weekend.”
The remarks followed an earlier statement to the BBC which also said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
There has never been an extra bank holiday after a sporting achievement, despite widespread public support. The government resisted calls for a celebratory bank holiday last summer, when the Lionesses won the Euros at Wembley.
An extra bank holiday costs the UK economy around £2.9bn, according to a House of Commons library report from 2010.
Fans have already set up a petition calling for an extra bank holiday if the Lionesses win on Sunday through the Parliament website, but it had gained just 78 signatures at the time of writing. More than 10,000 signatures will be needed for the Government to respond.
If the Lionesses win on Sunday, they will become the first England team to win a World Cup since 1966.
The King and the Prince of Wales led congratulatory messages for the Lionesses after their win on Wednesday.
Charles said: “My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”
William tweeted his congratulations to the England team after the game in a personally signed tweet, saying: “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final!
“Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan wrote on social media: “ What a game. A massive congratulations to our incredible Lionesses.
“Know that all of England is with you as you head into the final—we couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker added his congratulations, posting on social media: “Well played Lionesses. Absolutely superb performance.
“A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.”
Pubs are set to book out ahead of England’s final against Spain, which takes place on Sunday at 11am.
And the three Boxpark fan zones in London – Croydon, Wembley and Shoreditch, sold all their 2,500 tickets in just eight minutes following Wednesday’s match.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will represent the Government at the final, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.
The final kicks off at 8pm local time (11am BST).
