MPs call on Theresa May to change her mind after refusing to give a Bank Holiday to celebrate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
THERESA May will not give the nation a Bank Holiday to celebrate Harry and Meghan’s wedding.
There was a surge of public expectation after the engagement was finally announced that it would be followed by the announcement of an extra public holiday in 2018 - but Downing Street soon dismissed the idea.
No10 aides insisted there was “no precedent” for the national day off despite William and Kate’s celebration in April 2011.
The PM’s official spokesman said: “There are no plans for a Bank Holiday. There isn’t a precedent in this area.”
But Labour MP John Woodcock yesterday blasted: “There should surely be a bank holiday to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.”
He added: “Only curmudgeons will be in the office anyway.”
The Downing Street spokesman pointed out there was no Bank Holiday to mark the weddings of Prince Andrew in 1986 or Prince Edward in 1999.
And there was no day off for Charles and Camilla’s nuptials in 2005.
But there was a Bank Holiday permitted for the wedding of Princess Anne in 1973 - meaning it can apply to those not in direct line to the throne.
Charles and Diana’s big day on July 29 1981 was also a national holiday.
Social media erupted with fury over the news but others pointed out the Government was stuck between a rock and a hard place with Britain’s poor productivity record.
Bank holidays cost around £2.3billion on average and ministers spent yesterday announcing the country’s latest industrial strategy in a bid to boost the UK’s performance.
It came as Theresa May led political congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle describing them as “two people in love”.
The PM called it a “time of huge celebration and excitement wishing them “great happiness for the future”.
She added: “I would like to offer my very warmest congratulations to HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle upon their engagement."
At Westminster, Commons Speaker John Bercow said he was sure MPs from both sides of the House would join him in wishing the couple “all the very best for their future together”.
And New Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson also sent well wishes to the couple, as he faced his first set of defence questions in the Commons.
He told MPs: “May I start by congratulating on behalf of those who work in our Armed Forces, His Royal Highness Prince Harry, on his engagement to Meghan Markle.
“Prince Harry has acted as a proud champion of servicemen and women in the Armed Forces - most notably with his commitment to the Invictus Games.
“I am sure we would all like to echo your words Mr Speaker in wishing the two of them the very best in their shared future together.”
Tory MP Tom Tugendhat also joked that there was no Royal Yacht Britannia and the royal couple may need a sailing vessel for their honeymoon.
He asked Defence Minister Harriet Baldwin: “With the royal wedding coming as early as next year, and with the absence of the yacht Britannia, is there not a possibility the new prince and princess will require something to sail around the sea with?”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron also tweeted: “Congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Wonderful news and I wish them a long and happy life together.”
Last July the American actress praised the ex PM’s last speech before he left Downing Street.
She tweeted: “Quick lunch break and watched David Cameron’s parting speech. What a class act.”
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen welcomed the news and urged the PM to think again about giving the green light to a public holiday.
He said: “It’s great news for the economy and for tourism.
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“It would be something for everyone to look forward to and it would certainly pay for itself.”
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Andrew Rosindell also questioned why there was no bank holiday for Harry and Meghan.
He told The Sun: “Did we have one for William and Kate? I think we did, so why not Harry? Harry must get one too. Let’s make it a great royal celebration!”.