Extra bank holiday update for Lionesses' win as minister gives cryptic answer

A minister has given a cryptic answer after being asked about an extra bank holiday to celebrate the Lionesses' historic victory.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynoldssaid he'd "love to announce" an additional day off but mysteriously suggested he could not do so on TV. It comes after England's women's football team won the Euro 2025 tournament in a penalty shootoutagainst Spain last night.

Asked about giving England an extra bank holiday on the back of that win, Mr Reynolds told BBC Breakfast: "There should certainly be a celebration. I can't, I'm afraid, promise the bank holiday, but there will be a reception in Downing Street today. I believe the victory parade is scheduled for tomorrow."

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Pressed on Keir Starmer's previous calls for a bank holiday if England wins, the Cabinet minister replied: "Well, I'm not aware we've committed to a bank holiday on this. I'm afraid I'd love to announce that on television, this morning, but I can't do but that should rightly be a celebration for this brilliant achievement."

Mr Reynolds described the Lionesses' win last night as "absolutely magnificent". He celebrated the team's performance during the tournament, which saw it clinch wins from being behind in several matches.

He said: "I've never seen an England team who handle these big tournaments as well as this England team. I mean, not just the final last night, but the Sweden match or the semi. I mean, they've been so impressive in how they do this."

The PM yesterday made a surprise appearance at the stadium in Basel with his wife Victoria. He branded the Lionesses "history makers" after watching the team win.

The Prime Minister previously backed calls for a "proper day of celebration" for the nation when England women's football team reached the final in the last Euros tournament in 2022, which was hosted by England.

The then-Opposition Leader told the Mirror: “The whole country will be roaring on the Lionessesin the final... They have already done us proud, but if they win it will be a truly historic achievement - one that should be marked with a proper day of celebration, where clubs can open and promote access for women and girls.”

England went on to win the match against Germany but the former Tory government did not grant a bank holiday for the nation to celebrate the historic victory.

The Lionesses' historic Euro 2025 victory will be celebrated at a special reception at No10 today. Deputy PM Angela Rayner, who will host the team, this morning said it'll be "a privilege to celebrate this amazing win with them in Downing Street".

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