Calls for June 21st to become a national bank holiday to celebrate end of restrictions

Many people are calling for June 21st – when all Covid restrictions could potentially be lifted – to be a bank holiday.

Prime minister Boris Johnson is facing calls to make June 21st a bank holiday after he announced the date as the earliest we could see restrictions on social contact lifted. 

After living under Covid-19 safety measures like social distancing for almost a year, most people are naturally really excited at the prospect of them all being lifted. 

One person wrote on Twitter: “June 21st should be a bank holiday if you ask me.”

Another actually tweeted the prime minister to say: @BorisJohnson what do you think about declaring the 21st of June, a NATIONAL Bank Holiday? I think it makes perfect sense.”

Other people think the 21st June should become an annual bank holiday, one wrote: “I vote 21st June for a new annual bank holiday to celebrate efforts of NHS & Key Workers and remember lives lost and scientific breakthroughs.

“Who is with me?”

Another seconded that with: “So if the road map goes to plan why don’t we forever more make 21st June a bank holiday – to reflect each year on the dark days we all went through, to remember the ones who died of this horrible virus and to embrace our friends and family again.”

A petition has even been made and if it hits 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in Parliament. Although it is not yet live, as it is being checked, you can see the petition here. 

MPs have since backed the requests, with Lib Dem leader Ed Davey wanting to mark the date as thanks to the special service from the NHS and carers.

He told The Sun: “The whole country needs a day off — a great British Summer bank holiday.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a bank holiday to commemorate carers on the day legal Covid restrictions disappear.

“Hopefully, it’ll be a day for barbecues and picnics but with restrictions over at least we can all go to the pub if it rains!”

Tory MP, Steve Baker said: “I’d be delighted to have a one-off bank holiday to celebrate our freedom.”

As of yet, Downing Street have refused to comment adding that June 21st is a projection and not yet set in stone. 

A spokesperson said: “As it says, June 21st is the earliest date for step four. We need to continue to look at the evidence and data.”

If all goes well, would you like to see June 21st as a national bank holiday?