Campaigners are calling for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday to be made permanent, with the chancellor reportedly considering the proposal.
An extra day off has been granted this year on 3 June to mark the monarch’s 70 years of service, but it could remain in honour of the Queen.
The move is being touted by campaigners and has been backed by the Confederation of British Industry, Hospitality UK and the Archbishop of Canterbury among others.
The idea has won support from Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie, according to the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Express.
It is understood that Mr Sunak is yet to consider the proposals, but he does intend to.
The new “thank holiday” would recognise the Queen’s “extraordinary service” as well as people’s efforts to support communities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
3:22
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
According to the Daily Telegraph, the chancellor has asked the Treasury for formal advice on the matter and Downing Street has asked the Department for Culture, Media & Sport to review the suggestions.
The newspaper cited a source as saying: “The Treasury is not saying no off the bat despite previously being institutionally allergic to the idea of a new bank holiday.
“Rishi is supportive of the campaign and the thought behind it and has asked for all the projected costs.”
Sky News has approached Number 10 and the Treasury for comment.
Pubs and bars extend opening hours
With Brits able to enjoy the extra time off in June this year, opening hours for pubs and bars in England and Wales have been extended.
The extension will government 2 June to 4 June, with hours lengthened from 11pm and 1am.
The Queen, who turned 96 last week, celebrated the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne on 6 February 2022, becoming the first British monarch to reach the milestone.
This jubilee is her first without her husband of 73 years the Duke of Edinburgh, who died 10 months ago.
Advertisement
National celebrations marking the Queen’s record-breaking service on the throne will be staged over the four-day bank holiday weekend.
