Keir Starmer hints at extra Bank Holiday if England win Euro 2024

Keir Starmer has hinted that an additional Bank Holiday could be on the cards if England triumph in Euro 2024. The Prime Minister expressed his belief that such a victory should "certainly mark the occasion".

The PM caught part of the semi-final alongside Dutch PM Dick Schoof. He is currently attending a Nato summit in Washington DC.

Following England's successful bid for a place in the final, he had a meeting with Joe Biden in the Oval Office. When questioned about whether football was coming home, Mr Starmer responded: "It looks like it."

Under-fire President Biden quipped: "It is good news indeed, it is all because of the Prime Minister."

The football-enthusiast PM told reporters today that the result was "fantastic". "I managed to pop out from one of my sessions for just five minutes which is when I saw Harry Kane get the first goal," reports the Mirror.

"I missed the second one but it was brilliant. So on we go now, great chance. I've always said this team were going to go all the way so I'm really, really pleased and just good luck for Sunday."

Last year, Mr Starmer suggested that a Bank Holiday should be declared if the Lionesses won the World Cup. When asked if there would be an extra day off if England win on Sunday, he said: "We should certainly mark the occasion, I don't want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don't want to go through that again.

"I don't want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday."

The Lib Dems are explicitly calling for a national holiday to celebrate if Gareth Southgate's squad breaks England's 58-year trophy drought. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The Three Lions are playing their first-ever final on foreign soil, and if they bring it home, the Government should bring home a bank holiday to celebrate."

Number 10 has confirmed that Mr Starmer will watch the Euros final in Berlin this Sunday as England square off against Spain. During his visit to Washington DC, the Labour leader joked that England haven't missed a penalty during his time as PM.

When asked for advice on leading a team towards victory, his succinct response was: "Win! " He followed up with: "England have not missed a penalty under a Labour government in 2024."

Mr Starmer, a fervent Arsenal supporter and season ticket holder at the Emirates, often attends club games. The final match between England and Spain is scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Sunday in Berlin.

If the Three Lions claim victory on Sunday, plans are already in place for a monumental victory parade in London. Envisioning massive crowds lining the streets of the capital, the open-top bus will carry the triumphant England team from Guildhall to Buckingham Palace via Trafalgar Square on Tuesday.

The festivities are set to commence on Monday, with the team scheduled to meet Mr Starmer at Downing Street and attend a Royal reception at the palace. The reception is expected to be led by Prince William, who serves as the President of the Football Association.