Monday 1 August 2022 09:12 AM MPs Thérèse Coffey slaps down calls for an extra bank holiday after ... trends now

England fans 'do not need' an extra bank holiday and can 'find their own way' to celebrate the Lionesses' historic Euro 2022 win, according to a Government minister.

Calls are growing this morning for a 'day of celebration' after Sarina Wiegman's side made history by becoming the first England team to win a major football trophy since 1966.

Last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not rule out an extra Bank Holiday if the Men's' side beat Italy in their delayed Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

But the Government has batted back calls for an extra day off for workers in England if the Lionesses triumphed, saying it would be a 'considerable' cost to the economy.

Bank Holidays are believed to cost the UK around £2.3billion a day. And the UK has already had an extra bank holiday this year, to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. 

In the build up to last night's thrilling win, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for a 'day of celebration' to mark England's success. And football fans have today taken to social media to call for an extra Bank Holiday.

But work and pensions secretary, Thérèse Coffey, today appeared to pour cold water on the idea, saying it should be down to football fans to arrange their own celebrations.

She told LBC's Nick Ferrari: 'I know the Lionesses are gathering this morning in Trafalgar Square. 

'I expect that they will be wanting celebration and to be open with you, there is no official Liz for Leader policy as I'm aware, I think people can find their own ways to celebrate and don't need an extra holiday to do that.

'But it has been a great tournament. And honestly the sheer jubilation yesterday was extraordinary and I know the millions of people watching and listening to it will have been inspired as well.'

It comes amid increasing calls for the Government to mark England's historic Euro 2022 win last night.

England's heroic Lionesses were congratulated by the Queen and then partied late into the night - including wild dancing at Wembley, on the team coach and even in the car park outside their hotel - after making history and beating Germany 2-1 at the Euro 2022 final with more celebrations with fans due today.

The 87,192-strong attendance in the stadium smashed the record for either a men's or women's Euros final and saw the team end more than 50 years of hurt by delivering the nation's first major football trophy since 1966.

In extra time Chloe Kelly fired them into the history books after beating Germany in a tight final that captivated 15million at home and tens of thousands watching in pubs and fan parks across the country.

The team were also enjoying themselves, singing Sweet Caroline with the crowd before enjoying a few beers and some dancing in the changing room at Wembley.

There was also joyous dancing on the team bus and at the hotel in west London - as well as tears of joy as the players were reunited with their families.

Today thousands of fans will be able to celebrate England's Euros win with the players in London later. 

Up to 7,000 supporters will have the opportunity to join the team for a daytime event hosted by veteran Lioness Alex Scott in Trafalgar Square, where fans were dancing in the fountains last night.

Supporters will be able to gain free entry on a first-come first-served basis from 11am on Monday, and can enjoy live music from DJ Monki while tournament highlights are shown on screens.

The players and their manager, Sarina Wiegman, will take part in a Q&A session before lifting the trophy.

But England fans have called on the Government to agree to an extra Bank Holiday to mark the Lionesses' win.

After the Men's team qualified for the final of Euro 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had faced similar calls to hold a bank holiday if they won.

Speaking before that match Mr Johnson did not rule

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