Over 300,000 people have signed a petition to give the UK a Bank Holiday if England win the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate‘s side take on Italy at Wembley, in what is England’s first major tournament final since 1966.
And fans have been calling on the UK Government to assign a Bank Holiday if England go on to lift the trophy.
What does the petition say?
The petition, set up by Lee Jones prior to the final, reads: “Sunday 8pm is a difficult time for families to plan to be together for the event – knowing we have an additional day off the next day would significantly help this.
“Furthermore, a historic win should be celebrated.
“It would be expected for the winning team to parade the trophy, and a Bank Holiday would be the perfect time to do this.
“Also, English people would naturally want to continue to enjoy the win, giving the retail and leisure industry a much-needed opportunity to make up lost revenues.”
The petition has been signed by over 317,000 people at the time of writing.
Petitions that get more than 100,000 signatures are considered by Parliament for a debate.
Downing Street has said it will set out any celebrations if England do win, such as a victory parade, “in due course”.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has backed the calls for a Bank Holiday, telling the Daily Mirror: “If we win on Sunday, the country should get the chance to celebrate it properly with an extra bank holiday, granted in the name of the England team.”
The Daily Mirror also reports that it understands the UK Government is looking at a possible Bank Holiday or day of national celebration if England win.
A Bank Holiday was not granted after England won the 1966 World Cup, and one was discussed after the 2003 Rugby World Cup win, but ultimately nothing came of it.
But, if this petition is anything to go by, there’s certainly a hope amongst England fans that one will be given if Southgate’s side do lift the trophy on Sunday night.
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