A proposal for a new permanent bank holiday to be created in honour of the Queen is set to be considered by the Government.
Britons are already set for an extra day off on June 3, 2022 to mark the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee.
However, campaigners have been calling to make the holiday permanent from 2023 – with the move backed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Hospitality UK, the Archbishop of Canterbury and others.
The Telegraph and The Express said the idea had now won the support of Rishi Sunak, as well as Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie.
Despite this, the PA news agency understands that Mr Sunak is yet to consider the proposals – although he intends to.
This new “thank holiday” would recognise the Queen’s “extraordinary service”, as well as people’s efforts to support their communities, especially over the last two years.
The Telegraph reported that Mr Sunak had asked the Treasury for formal advice on the suggestion.
The newspaper also said Downing Street had asked the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to carry out a review of the matter.
It 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.”
The Express also reported that the Chancellor was “looking at proposals carefully”.
It has previously been reported that Mr and Mrs Johnson are supportive of the move.
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