Prime Minister Boris Johnson has responded to calls for an extra Bank Holiday if England win Euro 2020.
His response comes after over 100,000 signed a petition.
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.”
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.”
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.
Downing Street has said it will set out any celebrations such as a victory parade for the Three Lions “in due course”.
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.”
Featured Image – Twitter (@BorisJohnson)