Remember me
Scotland will get the day off work to watch their national team's first FIFA World Cup match - but there are no plans for a similar bonus for England fans.
To mark Scotland's first game in the tournament in almost 20 years, the SNP have announced plans for a World Cup bank holiday.
First Minister John Swinney has suggested it take place on June 15 to allow fans, businesses and other organisations to celebrate their team's opening match against Haiti in Boston.
This year's games will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a 48 teams competing in a record 104 matches in 16 cities across North America from June 11 to July 19.
Kick off for Scotland's opening game is at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14, allowing fans to stay up late to tune in without the worry of waking up early for work on the Monday.
Mr Swinney said: 'When we first proposed it in November there was huge support, showing what this tournament means to folk all over the country.'
England fans will be disappointed to find out there are no plans for them to be excused from work when their first match takes place on June 17 against Croatia in Dallas.
Scotland, who have a FIFA ranking of 36, qualified for their first football World Cup since 1998 in November with a 4-2 victory against Denmark that saw stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealing the win.
Scotland, who have a FIFA ranking of 36, qualified for their first football World Cup since 1998 in November with a 4-2 victory against Denmark that saw stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealing the win
First Minister John Swinney (pictured centre at the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at Hampden Park, Glasgow) has suggested the bank holiday take place on June 15 to allow fans, businesses and other organisations to celebrate their team's opening match against Haiti in Boston
But politicians in England have criticised the SNP's kind gesture, with Shadow Transport Minister Greg Smith telling The Telegraph: 'Everyone wants more bank holidays – but the harsh reality is bank holidays cost the economy billions.
'I am all for a debate on whether some bank holidays need to change, but more will just leave the county poorer.'
They are now set to play against Brazil, ranked fifth in the world, Morocco, ranked 11th, and Haiti, ranked 84th, in its group matches during the World Cup.
Mr Swinney said: 'Scotland qualifying for the men's World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.
'This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team's success.
'Not only is this an historic sporting event, it's also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.
'That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.'
A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by Royal Proclamation, with the First Minister advising the Privy Council on proclamations for the country that are then designated by the King.
After the Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory in the summer, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to create a bank holiday to mark their historic win.
A member of the public walks past street art of Scott McTominay scoring an overhead kick on Andrews Street in paisley after Scotland defeated Denmark in their World Cup qualifying match
In June 2022, a government impact assessment of an additional bank holiday to mark Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee found it cost the UK economy £2.4 billion due to a loss of output in most sectors of the economy caused by businesses being closed for an additional day, according to the House of Commons Library.
However, in December Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, announced pubs will be allowed to keep their doors open until 1am if a home nation reaches the quarter finals, under plans out for consultation.
She proposed extending pub licensing hours in England and Wales if either team manages to progress that far.
Lord Offord, a former Conservative minister who is standing for Reform UK in the Scottish elections, said Mr Swinney's plans for the first match showed 'a lack of ambition' for team Scotland.
'It should be given when we win the World Cup,' he told The Telegraph:
Comments (0)