Sir Keir Starmer has issued a NEW update over an extra Bank Holiday if England win Euro 2024. The Labour Party leader and new Prime Minister has raised hopes of an extra day off for millions of Brits all week – as England face Spain in the Euros tonight.
Starmer published an open letter to the players overnight. “You should all be proud of what you’ve achieved so far,” he wrote. “I hope you can take some strength from the millions at home kicking every ball alongside you.”
Starmer and his culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, will be in the stands at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. “You don’t need a running commentary from a politician on what you should or shouldn’t do,” Starmer said in the letter, published today (July 14, Sunday).
READ MORE Majorca put on ‘alert’ with bars and restaurants given strict new rules
It comes after Starmer said the country would “mark” England winning in some way – raising hopes of an extra Bank Holiday. The PM may have made a rod for his own back, having called for a Bank Holiday under the Conservative Party government when the Lionesses won the Euros.
In his letter, Starmer went on and told the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and co: “You’re here not because of luck, but because of your graft and hard work. You’ve earned it. As you did three years ago, you’ve made the country proud.
“Whatever happens, you should know that you have united the country, and we are all behind you. So enjoy tonight. I know that up and down the country, we all will.” The Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association, will also attend the match.
“We are so proud of you all,” Prince William – who is an Aston Villa fan – posted on social media. “Just one last push to finish the job! Go out there and show the world what you’re made of. We believe.” Wills attended England’s group stage match against Denmark and the quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
He is known to be a massive fan of the Three Lions and also Villa, and has been seen taking eldest child and son Prince George to matches. The pair were in attendance back in 2021 when England lost the final of Euro 2021 to Italy.
England lost on penalties at Wembley that night and will be hoping to go one better in Germany this evening.