The country should get an extra holiday if England women’s national football team wins in the final of the European Championship, Sir Keir Starmer said.
Labor leader reportedly backs a “holiday” if the… Lionesses claim victory when sold out Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
It comes after they beat Sweden, the highest-ranked team in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 competition, 4-0 in the semi-final on Tuesday.
However, the government has said that while the country will encourage the team against Germanya holiday would be a “significant” cost to the economy.
Speaking of calls for a holiday, Sir Keir told The Mirror: “The whole country will be shouting out the Lionesses in Sunday’s final.
“They have 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 ahead of the final against Italy, which ended in heartbreak for the team, said awarding a holiday “tempts fate”.
After Tuesday’s game, he tweeted: “On to Wembley!
“A fantastic result for captain @leahcwilliamson and the @Lionesses against Sweden tonight.
“Come on England, bring it home.”
A UK government spokesman said: “The Lionesses have made England proud with their fantastic run to the Euro 2022 final.
“The whole country will roar them and hopefully watch a famous victory over Germany on Sunday night.
“We will certainly celebrate their success. However, the current holiday and public holiday pattern is well established and while an extra holiday could benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy of an extra holiday is significant.”