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UK Government considering new bank holiday in honour of the Queen – despite turning down one for St David’s Day

26 Apr 2022 3 minute read
The Queen. Picture by defenceimagery.mod.uk (OGL v.3).

The UK Government is to consider proposals to create a new bank holiday in honour of the Queen – despite turning down one for St David’s Day.

People in the UK are already set for an extra day off on June 3, 2022 to mark the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee.

But 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 Chancellor Rishi Sunak, as well as Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie.

The move comes despite the UK Government rejecting calls for St David’s Day to be made a bank holiday in Wales In response to a petition which had been signed by over 12,000 people.

Responding to the petition, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said:   “Although an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy of an additional bank holiday remains considerable.

“The latest analysis estimates the cost for a one-off bank holiday (across the whole of the UK) to be around £2bn.

“The Government regularly receives requests for additional bank and public holidays to celebrate a variety of occasions. However, the current pattern of bank holidays is well established and accepted.”

‘Supportive’

However, the PA news agency understands that Mr Sunak is yet to consider the proposals – although he intends to.

The 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.

No 10 and the Treasury have been approached for comment.


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The Original Mark
The Original Mark
1 year ago

There are a number of public holidays that are not recognised around all the UK, The Westminster cabal can declare whatever public holiday they like. It does not have to be recognised in Wales. But isn’t it typical, the Westminster cabal can find the money for an english empire inspired public holiday, but not for Wales.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago

The move has been supported by flag waving unionist lawbreakers in Government. Well there is a shock.
Liz2 will need an enema soon, to try and dislodge all the Unionist lickspittles trying to live up her bottom.

The Original Mark
The Original Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

Deborah Meaden (dragons den) and other business leaders have said they’re in favour to have the bank holiday made permanent because………… it will benefit those sectors that have been hit the hardest by all the lockdowns, the hospitality sector. So just imagine the boost Wales could have if we had our own public holiday, Just show’s how out of touch the westminster cabal is. Annibyniaeth!

The Original Mark
The Original Mark
1 year ago

yep, sitting on your backside all day is so tiring, and then there’s all that smiling and hand waving.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago

She is the queen of Wales and we value her greatly.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago

No more of this – Rhyddid i Gymru, nawr ac yn fythol.

Nia James
Nia James
1 year ago

They really are taking the p now.

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
1 year ago

Then why wasn’t your comment removed?

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
1 year ago

Then why do many of those I know, who support independence, live in the Valleys? Could extreme poverty be an answer? Wanting independence is not crazy mate, staying in this corrupt neglectful Union and ruining our children’s future – is what’s crazy.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Steve Duggan

Independence is such a fringe view in South east wales it’s hilarious

Everyone in Gwynedd thinks the rest of Wales, thinks, acts and behaves like you. We feel more connected to england than we do to gwynedd.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

“we”! No WE do not. You may speak for a majority in Chepstow, Monmouth or Cowbridge? Nowhere else

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Only one with limited IQ would embrace their own ignorance like a little treasure..

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

Do you? Well good for you I guess, but I fail to see what you are so proud of

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
1 year ago

Gain independence and make St David’s day a bank holiday. It’s the only way.

Quornby
Quornby
1 year ago

OMG who let you in? This is a platform for patriots and you don’t fit.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Quornby

Seems to be a platform for marxists. You’re right, I don’t fit.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

You don’t know what a Marxist is. You are just another off the shelf basic template Brexiteer troll. You’ll be using the words MSM and Elites next.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

Brexiteer troll that voted to remain. Very Interesting observation 😂

Back to my main point, there appears to be only one view point allowed. Far left Welsh nationalism.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Yep. “Far left nationalism” that’s another one on the Brexiteer troll bingo card.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Works both ways unfortunately.

I support a Welsh Parliament, I supported the UK remaining in the EU. Yet I’ve been labelled a far right brexiteer UK nationalist etc.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Terrible to be labelled things eh Timmy? Lesson finally sinking in is it?

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

Usually instigated by the nationalist/people taking a left wing position unfortunately.

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Look, I can see you are not a fan of independence but can you give us a good reason why we should stay in the Union and why there is so much poverty in Cymru if it is so good to us?

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

“Usually instigated by the ….” what a childish statement. no doubt you can back this up with statistical evidecene rather than just some anecdote?

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

You voted remain lol. Highly doubtful. Your political ideology is Conservative.. You like many extremophile Anglophiles migrated to UKIP. Brexit party. Abolish the Welsh Assembly. Then back to the Conservative party like a fly would a turd.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Hey, very staunch anti-Marxist here. Typically, all views are welcome on these message boards as long as they are discussed with decorum. I’ve had long back and forth debates with fellow indy supporters who are left of my position without any posts getting removed. Sometimes it can get quite heated, but that’s politics for you. What you are doing is demeaning people’s views and pretty much the same things the rabid leftists do when they screech “nazi”. You think opposing a celebratory day of rest for the queen of England makes a person a Marxist? Diar annwyl, ngwas i. Claiming… Read more »

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  CJPh

Probably best not to use the word “leftist” though. It’s a bit trolly. A bit derogatory in flavour. Left / right wing is a political position. Leftist / rightist is labelling a person.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

I understand, but the utility of the term is in labeling those who have become ideologically entrenched. Reasonable left wingers like yourself, and most posters on this site, need to do a better job at policing the more pathological views and positions espoused from the Left. This is what I try to do. ‘Britnat’, for example, is often used as a derogatory term, but is actually describing a political position. ‘Gammon’ and ‘remoaners’ and ‘woke’ are unhelpful and mean. Leftist describes a centuries-old, pro-revolution position that I oppose. I also know many reasonable leftists, ones who mainly embrace the term.… Read more »

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  CJPh

I see your point, but it is certainly not my responsibility to police views from the left any more than it is (presumably) yours to police views from the right). We have control only over what we say.
That said, I tend to agree with what you have posted and I fear I have derailed the conversation a little. Apologies.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

Not at all. I’ve disagreed with your posts in the past but always try to highlight that the superordinate goal of our freedom is there for both of us, and all who view these threads. We may not agree on the exact Cymru that will come to pass, but that’s a friendly disagreement for another day. 😊

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Said the man (or woman) who embraces a British Union that omits their very representation. You are the political equiverlent of a chicken willing to stuff itself.

Last edited 1 year ago by Y Cymro
CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Quornby

Cmon Quornby, let the sunlight do its job

Paul
Paul
1 year ago

I’m sure this idea will go down well in Northern Ireland. Forcing the republican communities to observe a forced celebration of British monarchy can only go well. Conversely if they don’t apply this holiday to Northern Ireland the Unionist community will be outraged to be different from Great Britain.

Conservatives always shout about “dangerous nationalists” but they are the most dangerous nationalists in the UK.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago

You certainly get your comments removed if you are being a provocative ass, but disagreement with some perceived agenda? I think it’s your agenda to try and make that fib take hold

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago

I’m not in Gwynedd. I’m in South East Wales. There’s Yes Cymru stickers on nearly every lamppost. Three new Cofiwch Dryweryn murals in the last year that I know of.
Cymru is beginning to see the toxicity of One Nation Nationalists like yourself. This is why many of us want out.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

Of course you are….

Thankfully i’m seeing less and less yescymru graffiti as time moves on.

No one here even knows what a Cofiwch graffiti mural is. And I wouldn’t of either, If i hadn’t happened to pull over in a lay by outside Aberystwyth a couple of years ago.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

You are full of ASSumptions aren’t you. Everyone here knows what Cofiwch Dryweryn represents. It’s well known. Just because you don’t know what “a Cofiwch graffiti mural” is, does not mean everyone is so ill educated.

But then perhaps your little town on the Marches is more English than the rest of Cymru. Perhaps you are more inclined to wave the little flag of your masters. Let me guess. Monmouth? Chepstow? Or somewhere in VoG?

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

I guarantee you very few people here will know what the graffiti mural is sorry. Just the facts unfortunately.

Wrong on all accounts – Cardiff. I’d love to be able to afford to live in a part of the VoG that isn’t Barry.

Llinos
Llinos
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

What you presume does not constitute “the facts”, since many of my colleagues are Cardiff based, I have lived in Cardiff and still have multiple friends there. They certainly DO know. Perhaps you are just deluded with a case of “metropolitan superiority”. Which always seems a little silly to me given that our mostly beautiful capital city is smaller than many towns.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Llinos

Colleagues in the Welsh Nationalist circle perhaps?

Not intended as an insult – but if you work in this circles then it’s likely you are going to know.

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Said Tiny Tim who prefers touch your toes politics.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Oh a guarentee. Well, there we have it. Seriously now, your whole argument seems to be “this is how it is”. If we provide any contrary position, we’ll get Nope – “Just the facts unfortunately”. Is there one, just one positive point in favour of the Union that you can think of that doesn’t rely on it being the status-quo, some stats about the UKs extant place in rankings or minimizing Welshness?

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Tiny Tim prefers an ignorant uneducated Wales void of knowledge of its own Welsh history. To whitewash the very memory that we exist as a people in our own right is akin to a Holocaust deniers stating that 6 million Jews never perished in death camps of Poland. Of how a Welsh speaking community was wiped off the map by Whitehall when they chose to drown Capel Celyn to supply Liverpool with water. And how a monument painted to educate & commemorate all about this British state-sponsored terrorist act was recently desecrated when the Cofiwch Dryweryn wall was defaced &… Read more »

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago

The English imperialist Conservatives Wales-only agenda has never been so blatant. We were denied the right to create a St’ David’s Day National Holiday with excuses galore now want to foist an additional Bank Holiday on us to celebrate the Queen? No thank you. I’d rather do something more productive with my precious time, perhaps help staff a food bank or litter pick our streets & National parks than celebrate a woman who has never lifted a finger, paid a bill or grafted in her entire charmed life. But If this becomes a reality will see both Scotland & NI… Read more »

Gareth
Gareth
1 year ago

Unionist bootlickers want a holiday for their outdated living in the past queen, while Antigua has informed them they wish to become a republic how ironic.

Bluebirds fan
Bluebirds fan
1 year ago

This Unionist drivel is getting beyond a joke now. It really is time to go for indy.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Bluebirds fan

A Bluebirds Fan, young Timothy. And I a Swans fan, originally from that wonderful town. Both heartily supporting the freeing of our nation. Kind of runs against your arguments, no? You may try to ignore my responses to you (not sure why, but I have an inkling) but the fact remains – what exactly is your argument? I know what you don’t like. I know what you do like. I just don’t know why. I’d also venture a guess that you don’t know either.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  CJPh

What’s my argument?

Stopping working families, people living in poverty and small businesses being decimated by the flawed idea of welsh independence

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

This is what I’ve been saying all along, especially since these groups are the EXACT ones I think would be most aided by living in a free Cymru – flawed how? Can you point to me exactly how Wales leaving the union would result in a net loss for the groups you described? Would you say that Wales’ current economic situation (plus a whole raft of cultural/judicial etc positions) is good relative to similarly sized/culturally similar/resourced nations? Is there any formerly incorporated/occupied/merged nation on Earth currently looking to rejoin a nation they used to be part of? How’s Ireland doing?… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by CJPh
Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  CJPh

Instead of hearing Boris Johnson this, flags this, brexit that like is the daily topic of conversation on here – I’d love to know the benefits of it and above all, how we’ll fund everything and address the deficit?

The Original Mark
The Original Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

we will fund an independent Wales the same way any sovereign country creates money to fund its infrastructure and public sector workers.

CJPh
CJPh
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Great! I’d tend to agree – more positive stories on Nation would be great. The problem with that is it’s hard to monetize – good news doesn’t sell in this algorithmic age. That’s what groups like YesCymru are meant to do (and are certainly moving in that direction). “Funding everything” will be done in the same way as any other sovereign state, tariffs and taxes. The relative degree and level of both will be subject to the will of the people of Wales at the ballot box…like every democratic nation. We’re in the unique position of being the first mid-level… Read more »

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

You support a British Union that doesn’t even represent Wales in any of its symbolism, be it Union Flag or Royal Standard?

An unequal Union that’s been so good for Wales that we’ve qualified multiple times for EU Structural Funding only given to Nations & Regions suffering historical poverty & neglect. What a fool you are Tiny Tim.

Last edited 1 year ago by Y Cymro
Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

And the insults are back. Good luck trying to win over voters for your future independence referendum if you just insult them. Worked really well for corbyn.

To tell you the truth i just don’t care about flags. I find parading a flag around quite sad really. British flag, Welsh flag. Who cares.

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Bluebirds fan

Where some stand tall, the likes of you crawl. #Unionism 🇬🇧 #Colonialism 🇬🇧

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

Of course fella 👍🏻👍🏻

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago

Tiny Tim. I’d rather be a Republican than a spineless Unionist that doffs his or her cap to a Queen in deference.

Tim
Tim
1 year ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

Oh dear. The insults are out.

I’m looking forward to Elizabeth continuing to be the queen of wales for some time to come. Then King Charles after that. Wonderful!

R W
R W
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Yawn

The Original Mark
The Original Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Amongst her many titles, official or otherwise, “Queen of Wales” isn’t listed as one of them.

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago
Reply to  Tim

Typical Tory Troll. You support a Queen who as a child was filmed Nazi saluting with her family in a home movie accidently released by Clarence House.. Who wants to see a King Charles laud it over Wales , a man who has never been loyal to the country he was made Prince of in 1969. Your mask has slipped Tiny Tim.

Quornby
Quornby
1 year ago

Mmm all that “extraordinary” acceptance of know-towing toadies must be exhausting for the world’s most cosseted woman.

Quornby
Quornby
1 year ago

They could call it “silly old biddy day”.

Llyn
Llyn
1 year ago

Beyond the lies and contempt this move would expose in the UK Govs dealings with the request for a St Davids Day holiday, the most depressing aspect of this report is the fact that the support of Carrie Johnson for the holiday is seen as in any way important. In a functioning parliamentary democracy the wishes of the prime ministers wife would be utterly irrelevant.

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