Britain could be given a new bank holiday to thank the Queen, according to a government-examined plan

Chancellor Rishi Sunak explores plans for a “thank you holiday” each year to honor the Queen’s “extraordinary service” – bringing the UK’s total from eight to nine

The UK could be given a new permanent bank holiday to thank the Queen for her “extraordinary service”, which is set to be looked at by the Government.

Activists are calling for this year’s June 3 special holiday to be made permanent for her platinum anniversary, which is taking place in all four UK countries.

This would increase the number of bank holidays in England and Wales from the current eight to nine.

Now Chancellor Rishi Sunak has agreed to examine the costs and benefits of the proposal.

Estimates last collected in 2010 varied widely on the cost of a bank holiday, with unions estimating £1bn, government £2.9bn and the CBI £6bn.

But the move is backed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Hospitality UK, the Archbishop of Canterbury and others.

Nine bank holidays would still leave the UK with fewer than Austria, France, Norway, Italy and Denmark.

Under Jeremy Corbyn, Labor promised to add four new public holidays to the UK calendar, one for each of the four nations’ patron saints.

Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden is among the supporters of the ‘Thank Holiday’ plan and said he can give Britain “the social and economic stimulus we need after a difficult few years”.

Campaigner Brendan Cox added: “Holidays are nice to have – but they can also have a purpose. Britain has been bad at building rituals that bind us.”

Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie have reportedly backed the idea.

According to a report, Downing Street had asked the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to conduct an investigation into the matter.

It quoted a source as saying: “The Treasury Department is not immediately saying no, although it has previously had an institutional allergic reaction to the idea of ​​a new bank holiday.

“Rishi supports the campaign and the idea behind it and has covered all the estimated costs.”

It came as a statutory order passed yesterday that said pubs would remain open into the wee hours when Brits celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June.

Weather across England and Wales can stay out until 1am every night from Thursday 2nd June to Saturday 4th June to celebrate the Queen’s 70th Service Anniversary.

The changed opening hours only apply to venues that have already received permission to serve alcohol until 11pm.

Ministers have already promised Brits a show that will combine “ceremonial grandeur” with “technological displays” in time for the Queen’s celebrations.

The Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday 4 June will be attended by “some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars” and will be televised by the BBC.

Individual members of the royal family in attendance have yet to be named, but it is likely that the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other members of the monarchy will attend the show.

The royal family has also launched a “platinum pudding” contest where people can submit their recipes – as was the case with the coronation chicken.