Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win World Cup as Miami travel demand surges

Bank holiday hint

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given a heavy hint that an extra bank holiday would be granted if England win the World Cup. Speaking at a Nato summit in Ankara, he said: "I don't want to jinx it but ask me again if we get to the final." British officials confirmed that the date would likely be Friday 24 July, coinciding with an open-top bus victory parade and avoiding a clash with Starmer's expected handover of power to Andy Burnham on 20 July.

I don't want to jinx it but ask me again if we get to the final.

Economic and business reaction

A 2022 government impact assessment put the cost of a one-off bank holiday at £2.4bn in lost GDP. However, economists say unanticipated holidays largely shift spending rather than destroy it. Simon French, chief economist at Panmure Liberum, said: "Bank holidays are like wealth taxes. If they are unanticipated and one-offs then they largely move economic activity around." Pubs welcomed the prospect, with Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association calling it "a dream come true for publicans". Starmer had already allowed pubs to stay open until 5am for England's round-of-16 match against Mexico.

Bank holidays are like wealth taxes. If they are unanticipated and one-offs then they largely move economic activity around.

The prospect of an extra day would be a dream come true for publicans all over the country.

Travel surge to Miami

Ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against Norway in Miami, demand for accommodation has jumped. Booking.com reported a 403 per cent increase in searches by UK travellers for stays between 10 and 12 July. Short-term rental demand in Miami is up 15 per cent year-on-year, while Kansas City, hosting Switzerland v Argentina the same night, saw a 25 per cent rise. Extra flights have been added from Oslo to Miami after Norse Atlantic's first direct service sold out immediately.

Road to the final

England beat Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16 on Monday, a performance Starmer called "one of the best I've ever seen". To reach the final on 19 July, they must first overcome Norway. Starmer joked that while London and Oslo are "very strategically aligned", he and Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre will "have to go our different ways" on Saturday.