The UK government’s stance on introducing additional bank holidays, as part of its ongoing agenda for 2025, has been clarified, with eight new days off set to be added in the coming year. The issue of extra holidays has resurfaced following political pledges made in the Labour Party’s 2017 and 2019 general election manifestos. The manifesto initially included plans to introduce four new bank holidays in the UK to commemorate the patron saints of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
However, the promise to add these holidays was abandoned in 2024 by Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, who secured a victory in the General Election that year. The Labour leader, who defeated the Conservative Party at the polls, had previously made statements emphasizing patriotism as “a force for good.” Starmer also spoke with pride about his English heritage, reminiscing about his experience singing “Three Lions” at Wembley during the Euro 96 tournament.
Political Context and Changes in Policy
Despite initial plans for additional holidays, the pledge to establish the four new bank holidays was removed as Starmer’s focus shifted. The announcement came as the Labour Party sought to consolidate its position in a post-election environment and align with public sentiment around national identity.
In contrast, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn recently reiterated his support for a St. George’s Day bank holiday. Corbyn took to social media on April 22 to call for St. George’s Day to be recognized as a public holiday, asserting that such a move would “bring our country together and give workers the break they deserve.” His statement highlights ongoing debate over national pride and the need for a more inclusive holiday calendar.
Public Opinion and Upcoming Bank Holidays
A 2018 poll found that nearly half (49%) of English respondents favored making St. George’s Day a bank holiday solely in England, while 24% believed it should be observed across the entire UK. This division of opinion reflects the complexities surrounding the idea of additional public holidays in the UK, particularly when considering the varying identities of the nations within the union.
Meanwhile, in government circles, there has been ongoing discussion around the remaining bank holidays for 2025. The upcoming Early May Bank Holiday, scheduled for Monday, May 5, will be observed across the UK. Following that, the Spring Bank Holiday will take place on Monday, May 26. These holidays remain part of the traditional calendar, with further discussions expected regarding the future of additional holidays.
Industry and Government Engagement
On Tuesday, Esther McVey, the Minister for Common Sense, hosted a reception at Downing Street that brought together entrepreneurs and community leaders. According to a spokesperson for Number 10, the event aimed to “celebrate the very best of English produce and enterprise,” and included representatives from business owners, charities, and voluntary organizations. The reception underscored the ongoing governmental engagement with national identity, business, and public sentiment around issues like public holidays.
The government’s evolving stance on extra bank holidays in 2025 reflects broader political trends and public opinion, with additional announcements anticipated in the months to come. While some politicians and citizens continue to advocate for changes to the holiday calendar, it remains to be seen how these proposals will be received by the broader public and whether any further commitments will be made before the year’s end.
