Give England an extra holiday if Lionesses win Euro 2022 so we can have ‘a real holiday’ and clubs ‘promote women’s entry’, says Keir Starmer
- Keir Starmer says England should have a holiday if Lionesses win Euro 2022
- Lionesses take on France or Germany on Sunday in a sold out Wembley Stadium
- ‘If they win, it will be an achievement to be marked with a holiday’
- It comes after they beat Sweden 4-0 in the semi-final in Sheffield on Tuesday
The country should get an extra holiday if the England national football team wins in the final of the European Championship, Sir Keir Starmer said.
The Labor leader is reportedly backing a ‘holiday’ if the Lionesses claim victory at a sold-out Wembley stadium on Sunday.
It comes after they beat Swedenthe highest ranked team in the UEFA Women’s Euro Competition 2022, Tuesday 4-0 in the semi-finals.
However, the government has said that while the country will encourage the team against Germanya holiday would be a ‘significant’ cost to the economy.
Beth Mead celebrates with England’s Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway after scoring their team’s first goal in Tuesday’s game against Sweden
Speaking of calls for a holiday, Sir Keir told The Mirror: ‘The whole country will be cheering for the Lionesses in Sunday’s final.
“They’ve already made us proud, but if they win it will be a truly historic achievement – one that should be marked with a real holiday, where clubs can open and promote entry for women and girls.”
Sir Keir was at the game on Tuesday at Bramall Lane, in Sheffield, with his wife Victoria.
Conservative former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also reportedly supported the idea.
Boris Johnson was under pressure last summer to give workers a holiday if the England men’s team won the Euro 2020 championship.
Johnson, speaking before the final against Italy, which ended in heartbreak for the team, said awarding a holiday would be a “tempting fate”.
Lionesses of England celebrate their first goal in Tuesday’s 4-0 match against Sweden
Sir Keir Starmer told The Mirror: ‘The whole country will roar at the Lionesses’ final on Sunday’
After the game on Tuesday, he tweeted: ‘On to Wembley!
“A fantastic result for captain @leahcwilliamson and the @Leeuwinnen tonight against Sweden.
“Come on England, bring it home.”
A British government spokesman said: ‘The Lionesses have made England proud with their fantastic run to the Euro 2022 final.
“The whole country is cheering and hopefully watching a famous victory over Germany on Sunday evening.
“We will certainly celebrate their success. However, the current pattern of public holidays and holidays is well established and while an additional holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy of an additional holiday is significant.”