We WON'T be getting an extra Bank Holiday on 21st June
Over 40,000 people signed the petition
Last updated 18th Mar 2021
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his roadmap out of lockdown last month, Monday 21st June was a date many looked forward to, as the PM revealed all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted.
Just moments after Boris Johnson's address to the nation, a petition was created on the Parliament UK website, titled, 'Create a one off Bank Holiday on Monday June 21st 2021.'
Details for the petition said, 'We'd like the government to create a one off Bank Holiday, to be known as Merriweather Day, on Monday June 21st 2021 as an opportunity for families and friends to come together.'
With an end date for lockdown in sight, the British public were quick to sign the petition, with over 41,000 signatures to date.
HOWEVER, we've got some bad news....
The Government has now responded, revealing we WON'T be getting an extra Bank Holiday on Monday 21st June.
The official responds reads, 'The Government has no plans to create a one-off bank holiday on 21st June 2021. While we recognise the sacrifices made in the fight against Covid-19, the costs and wider impacts would be significant.
'The Government regularly receives requests for additional bank and public holidays to celebrate a variety of occasions. We appreciate the sentiment behind this petition and recognise the sacrifices the British people have made in the ongoing fight against Covid-19. The Prime Minister has set out the road map out of lockdown cautiously, and the Government’s approach focuses on data, not dates – the dates set out in the road map are the earliest that any changes will take place.
'A bank holiday is usually a day of celebration. While the ending of restrictions will be something to celebrate, many people will still be mourning loved ones. We therefore do not believe that a bank holiday is appropriate.'
What dates will lockdown restrictions be lifted in England?
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.
Due to the amazing vaccination rollout here in the UK, which has already seen over 25 million adults receive the first dose of their vaccine, a number of restrictions have already been lifted.
Children returned to school on Monday 8th March and two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces.
More restrictions will be lifted from Monday 29th March, including organised sports and larger group gatherings outdoors.
Now read:
Over 25 million people have had first Covid vaccine jab
NHS warns of significant reduction in Covid vaccine supply