VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Public Holidays: World Cup

Asked by Lee PitcherLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 26 June 2026UIN 11296

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to designate Monday 20 July 2026 as an additional bank holiday in the event of England winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday 19 July 2026.

Answered by Kate Dearden

The government will be backing the Scotland and England teams all the way as they seek glory at the FIFA World Cup.

The current pattern of bank holidays is well established. While an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy is considerable. The latest analysis estimates the cost to the UK economy for a one-off bank holiday to be around £2 billion.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim