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Over 25,000 people sign petition for extra Bank Holiday next Monday if England win Euro 2020
An ecstatic football fan has taken to the UK Government and Parliament website to set up the popular petition.
Emily Sergeant -
8th July 2021 
A petition campaigning for an extra Bank Holiday next Monday should England win Euro 2020 is rapidly racking up signatures.
It may seem like a long shot at the very last minute, but after England triumphantly defeated Denmark 2-1 last night to advance to their first major tournament final since 1966, an ecstatic football fan has taken to the UK Government and Parliament website to set up a petition.
It’s calling for the country to be given an extra Bank Holiday the following Monday should Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad clinch the win.
Well over 25,000 people and counting have put their names down so far.
The petition – which has been set up by Lee Jones – was actually started ahead of last night’s semi-final tie, but has understandably started picking up more speed this morning.
“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 government is required to respond to all petitions that get more than 10,000 signatures.
And whether you can believe it or not, reports have started emerging this morning to say that it’s actually being considered.
According to POLITICO: “Some in Whitehall want a Bank Holiday on Monday.”
This isn’t the first time a call for an extra Bank Holiday has gained traction either, with the idea also being bandied around during England’s journey to the 2018 World Cup semi-final and then-leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, backing the campaign.
Given how last-minute the change would be this year though, it’s fair to say it presents logistical challenges.
No formal statements have been made by the government regarding the growing petition.
England’s semi-final victory means they will now face Italy in the final at Wembley Stadium this Sunday – with a kick off time at 8pm.
It has already been confirmed earlier this week that pubs showing the Euro 2020 final in England are permitted to remain open until the later time of 11:15pm on Sunday, anticipating the match heads to extra time and penalties.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the nation to support the Three Lions “enthusiastically, but in a responsible way”.
While England will have to wait until Sunday to seize their chance to be crowned champions, Manchester claimed a victory of its own yesterday.
The city was named the best place in the UK to watch Euro 2020.
28 major cities were ranked based on a number of different factors, including the average cost of a pint, venue ratings, and a ‘footy-mad’ score determined by Google Trends – and Manchester unsurprisingly clinched the top spot.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on the Three Lions this weekend?
We’ve picked out 20 of the best spots to watch Euro 2020 in Manchester city centre here.
Featured Image – Twitter (@england)
