Starmer confirms conditional bank holiday plan if England win World Cup

The UK government will announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, should England win the World Cup, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also set to attend the final in New York if Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final.

The bank holiday, which would only be granted in the event of a Three Lions victory, is timed to coincide with what would likely be the team’s victory parade and gives businesses sufficient notice to prepare. Starmer had been pressed on the matter earlier this month at the NATO summit, where he said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”

England are 90 minutes away from becoming only the second senior men’s side to reach a World Cup final, after the 1966 triumph on home soil. Standing in their way are holders Argentina, with Lionel Messi having scored eight goals in the tournament so far.

Tuchel’s side reached the last four after topping Group L, coming from behind to beat DR Congo in the last 32, edging past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the quarter-finals, and then surviving a gruelling extra-time contest against Norway in the last eight. Wednesday’s tie will be England’s first competitive meeting with Argentina since the 2002 World Cup.

The final in New York kicks off at 3pm local time — 8pm BST — meaning the match would conclude around 11pm in the UK. According to The Times, Starmer plans to fly home from Newark Liberty Airport on an overnight flight immediately after the final, arriving in time to deliver his farewell address on the steps of Downing Street before visiting Buckingham Palace. Starmer announced last month that he would be stepping down as Labour leader, and the final trip to the US would be among his last acts as Prime Minister.

Starmer has already intervened twice during the tournament on behalf of England fans — blocking an attempt to change the kick-off time for the Mexico game over concerns it would benefit the co-hosts, and extending pub opening hours to 5am to allow supporters to watch matches.