It may have seemed like a long shot at the very last minute, but after England triumphantly defeated Denmark 2-1 to advance to their first major tournament final since 1966, an ecstatic football fan took to UK Government and Parliament website to set up a petition calling for the country to be given an extra Bank Holiday the following Monday should Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad clinch the win.
“England may be playing a European Championship Final at 8pm on Sunday 11th July,” the petition reads.
“It would be beneficial and sensible to give the country the day off the next day if England win, in the form of an extra Bank Holiday Monday.”
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Over 100,000 signed the petition calling for an extra Bank Holiday / Credit: UEFA Euro 2020 / England
The Prime Minister has urged the nation to support the Three Lions “enthusiastically, but in a responsible way” – and now he’s issued a response to the rapidly-growing petition.
When asked during a visit to energy company Bulb’s central London headquarters on Thursday about the prospect of a Bank Holiday if England are crowned Euro 2020 winners, Mr Johnson said: “I think that would be tempting fate – let’s see what happens.”
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He has reportedly ruled out the possibility for a surprise Bank Holiday on Monday as it would be too close to the final for bosses to grant at the last minute.
Mr Johnson has however wished the team the “very best” ahead of the final.
“Clearly Gareth Southgate has done an absolutely outstanding job.”
Downing Street has said it will set out any celebrations such as a victory parade for the Three Lions “in due course”.
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It has not confirmed whether plans for a potential Bank Holiday are in motion behind the scenes.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I don’t want to pre-empt the outcome of Sunday’s match. Clearly we want England to go all the way and win the final, and then we will set out our plans in due course.”
Chinatown restaurant issues CCTV appeal after customer literally RUNS away without paying
Daisy Jackson
Noodle Alley, a cosy restaurant in Chinatown, has shared CCTV footage of a customer literally running away with an unpaid bill.
The noodle bar is famed for its spicy dishes, hailing from co-owner Wendy Ren’s native Sichuan province.
It’s become a firm favourite in Manchester’s Chinatown since launching in 2023 – but the team have been left stung by a customer dine-and-dash this week.
And it’s the most literal case of a dine-and-dash we’ve ever seen, with CCTV footage shared by Noodle Alley showing the moment the customer sprints out the door, with impressive speed for a man in sliders.
The video also shows the staff chasing the runaway customer, to no avail.
In a heartfelt statement shared online, Noodle Alley said that ‘every meal matters’ when small businesses like theirs are struggling with rising costs.
They also said that the CCTV has been sent to the police in the hopes of catching the man.
In their full statement, Noodle Alley wrote: “Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying.
“This isn’t just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs, and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder.
“Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters.
“Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds.
“We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities.
“To everyone who chooses to support small independent businesses like ours, thank you. Your kindness and support help keep businesses like ours going.”
Murder investigation launched after injured woman found dead at house in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Bolton.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers responded to reports of an assault on Yewdale Avenue in Bolton at around 3:15am yesterday morning (4 August 2026), and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman who had ‘sustained injuries’ and was unresponsive
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the woman – who is said to be in her 30s – was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning, police confirmed.
Police say they believe this is an ‘isolated incident’ with no wider public threat.
With a murder investigation now proceeding at pace, GMP is appealing to the public for information. They said in a statement: “We understand how troubling this news will be, and whilst formal identification has yet to take place, the believed family are being supported by specialist officers.”
“A scene will remain in place as officers continue the investigation and we will have an increased police presence in the area.
“I’d like to reassure you that this was an isolated incident that is not believed to pose a wider risk to the public, and we currently have a man in custody in relation to the incident.
“I urge anyone who may have information to support our enquiries to please come forward”.
Emily Sergeant -
9th July 2021 
