Mexico game bank holiday Thursday update after government statement

The UK Government has confirmed it will not grant an additional bank holiday on Monday despite England's last 16 World Cup clash against Mexico kicking off at 1am following the team's 2-1 victory over DR Congo, courtesy of two late goals from captain Harry Kane.

The gruelling late-night fixture has sparked significant pressure on the government to provide relief for fans and employers. Petra Wilton, director of policy at the Chartered Management Institute, stated: "We re not saying every England win deserves a bank holiday but if millions of people have stayed up until 3am supporting their team asking employers to let them start a little later the next morning is simply common sense."

Research indicates only one in five employers plan to offer flexible working hours to help staff cope with the early morning match. While the Department for Communities and Local Government has confirmed no additional bank holiday will be granted, Communities Secretary Steve Reed has written to local councils encouraging them to approve applications for extended licensing hours.

Pubs wishing to remain open past their standard hours must obtain council permission through Temporary Event Notices, potentially allowing trading until 3.30am if the match extends to extra time and penalties. The national licensing relaxation granted during the tournament only covers matches with kickoff times between 5pm and 10pm, leaving the Mexico game without automatic coverage.

At least one publican faced difficulties securing permission. Warwick District Council explained it was legally unable to consider an application submitted with only four working days notice, when five working days is required by statute.

This decision contrasts with Scotland, which granted a bank holiday for their World Cup appearance. When previously challenged on the prospect of a bank holiday for an England World Cup victory, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated: "I m not going to jinx the World Cup But you know the last time we won the World Cup it was a Labour government And so it's absolutely clear that we only win World Cups under a Labour government."