Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that an extra bank holiday could be declared if England win the FIFA Women's World Cup, though he stopped short of making a formal commitment, saying he did not want to «jinx» the team. Speaking while attending the NATO summit in Washington, Starmer was asked about the possibility of a national celebration should the Lionesses lift the trophy in Australia and New Zealand later this month.
The Prime Minister, who was pictured alongside Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre wearing football shirts ahead of the two nations’ quarter-final clash, acknowledged the public enthusiasm for the tournament. «I don’t want to jinx it,» Starmer told reporters, adding that he would «wait and see» how the team performs before making any decisions. His comments come as England prepare to face Norway in the last eight, with the winner advancing to a semi-final against either France or Australia.
The suggestion of an additional public holiday has been a recurring topic during major football tournaments. In 2022, following the men’s team’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced similar questions but ultimately did not grant a day off. The current government has not issued any formal proposal, but Starmer’s remarks have reignited debate about the economic and social implications of such a move.
According to government estimates cited in recent reports, an extra bank holiday would cost the UK economy approximately £2.4 billion, factoring in lost productivity and additional public sector costs. However, supporters argue that the boost to national morale and potential increase in consumer spending could offset some of the losses. The Treasury has not commented on the matter, and no official cost-benefit analysis has been published for a potential World Cup victory celebration.
The Lionesses, who won the European Championship on home soil in 2022, have captured the public’s imagination and are seen as strong contenders for the World Cup title. Their quarter-final against Norway is scheduled to take place in Auckland on Friday, with kick-off at 8:30 AM BST. England have never won the Women’s World Cup, having finished third in 2015 and fourth in 2019. A victory would mark the first time a senior England football team has won the tournament since the men’s team in 1966.
Starmer’s light-hearted exchange with the Norwegian Prime Minister highlighted the friendly rivalry between the two nations. Both leaders posed for photographs holding their respective team shirts, with Støre joking that Norway would «do their talking on the pitch». The Prime Minister’s comments were made in a relaxed setting, but they carry political weight as the government considers how to mark a potential historic achievement.
If England were to win the World Cup, the final would take place on Sunday, August 20, in Sydney. An extra bank holiday could then be scheduled for the following Monday, August 21, or at a later date to avoid clashing with the existing August bank holiday on the last Monday of the month. No decision has been taken, and Downing Street has stressed that the priority is for the team to focus on their upcoming matches.
The prospect of an additional bank holiday has divided opinion among business groups. The Federation of Small Businesses has warned that an unscheduled day off could disrupt operations for many companies, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. Conversely, the Trades Union Congress has welcomed the idea, calling it a «well-deserved celebration» for the nation. The government is expected to consult with stakeholders before any announcement is made.
For now, the Prime Minister’s remarks remain informal, and the focus remains on the pitch. England manager Sarina Wiegman has urged her players to stay grounded despite the growing excitement around the team. «We are here to win, but we take it game by game,» she said in a pre-match press conference. The Lionesses will be hoping to deliver a performance that could ultimately lead to a day off for the entire country.
