Will there be a Bank Holiday if England win the Women's Euros 2025?
With our women's team facing Spain in the tournament, excitement is building across the nation, but don't start planning your long weekend just yet.
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Downing Street has made it clear there are no plans for a bank holiday if England win the Women's Euro 2025.
But with mounting public pressure and the petition gaining traction, things could still change if football really does come home.
What Downing Street has said
No extra day off is on the cards right now, football fans.
Sir Keir Starmer 's spokesperson has confirmed there are "no plans" for an additional bank holiday should England's women triumph in Euro 2025.
When pressed about the possibility of giving the nation a day to celebrate if the Lionesses lift the trophy, Downing Street remained firm in their stance.
The PM's team didn't completely rule it out, but made it clear it's not currently on the government's agenda.
This will come as disappointing news to many hoping to toast a potential victory with a lie-in the next day.
Growing calls for a celebration day
Despite the government's position, demands for a national day off are ramping up.
The Prime Minister is facing mounting pressure to grant the nation a well-deserved bank holiday if our Lionesses bring home the trophy.
Women's football news website SheKicks has even launched a petition calling for Monday, July 28th, 2025, to be declared a bank holiday if England emerges victorious.
RTE pundit offers optimistic view on growth of women's football amid Euros kick-off
The campaign is gaining momentum as more fans back the idea of a proper nationwide celebration.
After all, if football's coming home, shouldn't we all be at home to celebrate it?
What happened last time?
When the Lionesses made history by winning the Women's Euro 2022, the nation erupted in celebration – but we didn't get that coveted day off.
Despite the historic victory, the then-government didn't grant a bank holiday, leaving many fans disappointed that they couldn't properly nurse their celebration hangovers.
This time around, supporters are hoping for a different outcome, especially with calls getting louder for women's football achievements to be celebrated with the same enthusiasm as the men's game.
How bank holidays work
Getting an extra bank holiday isn't as simple as the PM waving a magic wand.
Bank holidays in the UK are either set by law or declared by royal proclamation, meaning there's a proper process involved before we can all enjoy a day off.
For a special one-off event like a sporting triumph, the government would need to make arrangements fairly quickly, which explains why they're not making promises they might not be able to keep.
Planning for businesses and public services would be tight, but not impossible, if our Lionesses do make it all the way.
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What fans can do
Want that extra day off? You might need to make your voice heard.
The SheKicks petition is gathering signatures from supporters who believe a women's football triumph deserves national celebration.
Football fans can also contact their MPs or share their thoughts on social media to add to the growing chorus calling for a proper celebration if England lift the trophy.
And if all else fails? It might be worth booking that annual leave now, just in case – you can always cancel it if the bank holiday does materialise or if our Lionesses don't bring it home this time.
The final decision will likely come down to the wire, much like the tournament itself.
So while you might want to keep that Monday free just in case, don't make any non-refundable plans for a long weekend just yet.
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