Government issues major update over extra bank holiday for 2025

Number 10 Downing Street has broken its silence over claims an extra Bank Holiday could be coming in 2025. It comes amid reports from national media that the new Labour Party government could be contemplating an extra day off in 2025.

Reports had speculated an extra bank holiday could be held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. The major celebration will be marking the heroics of the 'Greatest Generation' who fought against Hitler and the Nazis in Europe and Africa, and Imperial Japan in Asia.

And as part of a big year of events, a four-day jamboree will reportedly be staged either in May or August. The PM's official spokesman said: "The 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day are moments of huge significance for our country where we come together to honour the memory of those who served.

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"We are committed to commemorating and observing these national important occasions appropriately which is why we've announced more than £10million for events to mark them. We'll set out more detail shortly. These plans do not include an additional bank holiday but we will look to use the existing early May bank holiday for commemorative events."

May 8 marks Victory in Europe Day, when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, while August 15 marks the day Japan surrendered, effectively ending the Second World War. It's understood plans are being discussed by the Government which could see May 9 and May 12 wiped free to allow nationwide celebrations - or August 22 added to the traditional summer bank holiday on August 25 to create a four-day weekend.

It's hoped the dates will provide the nation a landmark opportunity to pay tribute to Second World War heroes still alive today, the reports had earlier suggested today.