No 10 brushes off calls for extra bank holiday to mark Lionesses' victory
The Lionesses defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday.
The Government had already indicated it was unlikely to heed calls for an extra bank holiday to herald England's success.
On Monday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman attempted to make light of calls for the additional day off work.
'If we had a bank holiday every time the Lionesses win we'd never go to work,' he told reporters.
He added: 'It is a tribute to the success of the Lionesses. The Prime Minister has said how inspiring their incredible victory was last night, and the team has captured the hearts of the nation.
'We look forward to joining the rest of the country celebrating this incredible win.'
The spokesman pointed to the plans for a parade and the Downing Street reception as part of the Government's efforts to ensure the team has a warm welcome on their return to the UK.
Bank holidays have a costly impact on the UK economy, and various governments have been reticent to introduce additional public holidays.
Analysis by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport estimated the cost of the additional bank holiday to mark Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee in June 2022 was £2.4 billion.
Elsewhere, the Prime Minister's spokesman insisted there was an independent process for nominations for honours, when asked about calls for the team to be recognised for their victory.
However, in a rare show of support from the Government for members of the team to receive nominations, he added: 'I hope we'll see lots of nominations for this incredible winning team.
'Many of them were honoured after their incredible Euros win just three years ago, and everyone can see what an amazing job Sarina (Wiegman) and the team have done for this country in terms of its historic win, and women's sport more generally.'
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will host the Downing Street reception for the England team on Monday night.
Asked if Sir Keir Starmer was disappointed not to be at the event, his spokesman insisted the Prime Minister was 'obviously very pleased to be meeting President Trump up in Scotland'.
He added: 'I'm sure he (the Prime Minister) will have a chance to celebrate with them in the future as well.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
Of all the harebrained schemes to smash migrant smugglers, Labour's new One In One Out plan is worst of all – here's why
HOME SECRETARY Yvette Cooper has a new plan to stop the migrants flooding into this country but is not going to tell you about it. It isn't about the numbers. They're calling the plan One-in, One-out but that isn't about the numbers, either. 4 4 More than 25,400 illegal migrants have crossed the Channel this year alone — 50 per cent more than last year — but that's not about the numbers, apparently. Ms Cooper isn't inclined to even reveal how many of them will be sent back to France under the new scheme, because to do so would only aid the people smugglers, or so she claims. Yesterday we had the rather ludicrous launch of a new policy that doesn't even do what it says on the tin. The Government's hope that this gimmick — for that is plainly what it is — will convince anyone the vile people-smuggling gangs will simply give up trafficking their lucrative quarries is wildly deluded. Taxpayer's expense Any examination of the new system makes it immediately obvious that there is no chance of it working. The Home Secretary said yesterday that, as of this week, migrants arriving illegally on to our shores will be detained then returned to France. Ms Cooper said detained 'within days' and returned 'within weeks'. But how, exactly? It was what she didn't say that was of far more interest. For example, where will they be detained? As far as we know, there are no workable detention centres anywhere near Dover. Small boat migrant found dead riddled with bullets on French coast after being gunned down 'by people smugglers' And Manston, the current holding area 20 miles away, is already over capacity. Ms Cooper has not volunteered any information as to where the arrivals will go. Neither has she suggested how long they will be held in detention, whether they will go through a court process or, indeed, whether they will be able to access legal services at the taxpayer's expense. As if all that wasn't bad enough, there is simply no explanation at all of how the migrants will be 'returned'. Will they all be packed into the back of a lorry? Will Border Force take them back to France on their boats? Or will it be down to the RNLI? One-in, One-out, it may be called, but not one clue is being given as to its likely success Perhaps the migrants will be put on the Eurostar or flown out of the country on one of those chartered jets. You might as well throw a dice or toss a coin. One-in, One-out, it may be called, but not one clue is being given as to its likely success. The Home Secretary has conceded there 'might' be legal challenges in some cases. So it's then back to the old right to a family life, under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The public, of course, are under no illusions. 4 4 My listeners and readers gave me their verdict about all this yesterday. 'If it's 50,000 in and 50,000 out, they get replaced by another 50,000, so it's still 50,000 more,' said one wise caller. Despite Ms Cooper's claim that this is not about the numbers, the increasingly frustrated and fed-up citizens of this country are very clear that it is. She has conceded that only about 50 migrants will be exchanged per week in the initial pilot stage of the programme — which is due to run for only 11 months. That represents just one in 17 of the current small-boat arrivals on to our shores. And so, obviously, the numbers do matter. Ms Cooper says that the replacement migrants will be fully documented and legitimised. In effect, they will qualify to come and live here because they can prove who they are and that they have family here. Does she really think that system won't be abused? Asylum seekers in France can now apply online to come to Britain. So, you can only imagine the numbers that will flock to the French coast in the hopes of a successful application. In one fell swoop, the Government has taken away the risk of dying in the Channel — instead encouraging the migrants to fill out a form. Harebrained schemes And who will assess the suitability of the applicants? Will a family of four from Libya get precedence over two teenage brothers from Eritrea? And if their application is successful, where will they live? A migrant hotel? Social housing? An army camp? Of all the harebrained schemes to smash the gangs, stop the boats, fix the system and secure our borders — yes, Sir Keir Starmer has promised to do all four — this is perhaps the worst of all. It brings yet more people into the country with no perceived skills or reason to be here. It adds fuel to an already tense situation, up and down the country. And it will almost certainly fail to do what it is meant to do. Aside from that, it'll cost more billions of pounds of our money. I'm not in. I'm out.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Households can get FREE supermarket vouchers or council tax credits worth £150 NOW
FAMILIES are getting a £150 boost which they can receive as a supermarket voucher, a virtual energy card or a council tax credit. The leg-up comes from the government's Household Support Fund (HSF) - a huge £742 million fund available to councils across England. 2 The HSF is a government-backed scheme designed to help vulnerable households with essentials like food, energy bills and other living costs. Each council in England is allocated a portion of the £742 million fund, which it then distributes to residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Bromley London Borough Council is distributing payments of £150 to successful applicants through HSF. The money can be used for a virtual energy card, a supermarket voucher or credit added to a council tax account. Who is eligible for the support? Those over the age of 16 who are Bromley borough residents with a Bromley postcode. Priority will be given to first time applicants, according to Bromley Council's website. From May 27 to August 31 2025, the Council will process applications from: First time applicants Those who have not received support from HSF5 and/ or HSF6 between April 2024 and March 2025 From September 1 to March 31 2026, the Council will process applications from: First time applicants AND all others that meet the eligibility criteria, such as those awarded support from HSF5 and/or HSF6 between April 2024 and March 2025) Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill All applicants will be required to prove the following: They have rent, energy, council tax or other financial arrears They have an income They are unable to meet their arrears in the form of bank statements for the last three calendar months Who is not eligible for the support? Those who are a family in receipt of school holiday vouchers Those living in temporary accommodation outside of the borough How can people apply? To claims the awards, this application must be completed. The Council only accepts applications through its website. Those who need help with their online application can call the enquiry line on 020 8461 7999. The line is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 9am and 12 noon. When will applicants know the Council's decision? The Council says it aims to response within three weeks of each individual's application submission date. Applicants will be notified of the Council's decision by email or post. What about those who don't live in Bromley? Councils across the country are actively paying out to families through the Household Support Fund scheme. Leicestershire is issuing hard-up households electronic fuel vouchers worth up to £98. Wealden District Council is handing out up to £200 to those on certain benefits. Meanwhile, low-income families in West Berkshire can claim up to £300 if they have three or more children. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended. The current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026. 2
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William and Kate's 'intelligent' plan for Princess Charlotte post-Harry issue
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly crafting a strategy to shield Princess Charlotte from the same challenges faced by her uncle, Prince Harry. Last month, on Sunday, July 27, William and Charlotte were spotted savouring the Lionesses' victory at the Women's Euro 2025 final in Basel, Switzerland. A Royal expert has hinted that Charlotte's attendance at the game may reflect a fresh tactic to tackle a longstanding issue that has troubled Royal siblings like Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and even Queen Elizabeth's late sister, Princess Margaret. The issue centres on the so-called "spare" Royal who struggles with feeling "overlooked and purposeless". Writing for the I, Royal commentator Richard Palmer posited that the Waleses are determined to avoid any of their children feeling less valued, thus circumventing the "spare" dilemma. READ MORE - Jet2 'sorry' as mum and kids 'traumatised' at being refused to flight home READ MORE - Motorist gets petty revenge on 'entitled' neighbour who kept parking on their drive He further explained: "In a Royal Family traditionally focused on the need to create an heir to the throne, and then a spare just in case something goes wrong, the Waleses want their children to have emotional security instead of giving special treatment to the chosen one." In stark contrast to King Charles, the couple is placing their children's needs above Royal obligations. Additionally, insiders close to the Royals told Richard that Charlotte "has inherited her mother's poise and an inner strength and confidence", reports the Mirror. Bringing her along to celebrate the Lionesses' Euros success might be part of grooming her for her future responsibilities within the Royal Family. American Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith has hinted that Princess Charlotte might soon be stepping up to take on official duties for the Queen in the streamlined monarchy, with a possible focus on sports. Speaking to the i Paper, she remarked: "I think this is an intelligent way to do it. I would imagine Charlotte will be part of the picture. I'm not so sure about Louis." The term "Spare" resonates with those following Royal affairs, as it was the title chosen by Prince Harry for his revealing 2023 memoir. In his book, Prince Harry caused a global stir by disclosing private family matters. These revelations are believed to have strained Harry's relationship with his family, particularly with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. Prince Harry famously stepped back from his Royal responsibilities and moved to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle, a former actress, and their children Archie and Lilibet. Recently, there has been speculation that the Prince and Princess of Wales might leave Adelaide Cottage for Fort Belvedere in Windsor's Home Park Estate. Yet, Hello magazine's Royal editor, Emily Nash, casts doubt on these rumours, pointing out that her sources say "they've been very happy" at Adelaide Cottage. She highlighted their current situation: "Enjoying precious time together as a family of five, with no live-in staff and with easy access to Lambrook, the Berkshire school attended by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis." Yet, she didn't rule out the chance of them moving in the future, remarking that William, with his considerable Duchy of Cornwall income, could comfortably afford another home. Emily also mentioned there's a "precedent" for such decisions, referencing instances like the late Queen bestowing Gatcombe Park on Anne, Sunninghill Park on Andrew, and Bagshot Park on Edward.
