Some MPs are calling for a Bank Holiday to mark The Queen’s historic Sapphire Jubilee this year.
Might there be a Bank Holiday to mark The Queens Sapphire Jubilee? Picture by i-Images / Pool
Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford, said that a day of celebrations could be held in June to celebrate Her Majesty’s 65 years on the throne. This would encourage street parties and other major events, similar to the Diamond Jubilee of 2012, when there was also a Bank Holiday.
Mr Rosindell said it would be a ‘missed opportunity’ to not celebrate The Queen’s milestone. UKIP MP Douglas Carswell also supports the proposal.
On Tuesday, the MP will introduce his’ Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee Bill’ into the Commons. If passed, it will ensure a public holiday in the UK, its overseas territories and Crown dependencies.
Rosindell has said he had a ‘positive response’ from the Prime Minister. He said: “It’s almost certainly going to be a very long time before any monarch gets anywhere near 65 years
“It’s the first time we’ve had any Sapphire Jubilee and if we let this go by and don’t have some sort of national day of celebration, it’ll be a missed opportunity.
“It’s also for the young people – I remember the Silver Jubilee as a kid and learnt how important these national occasions are.”
The Queen marked Accession Day – 6th February – at Sandringham. This is the date her father died, also on the Norfolk estate. Mr Rosindell said he understood The Queen is a “very modest” person and does not necessarily expect or want huge celebrations, adding he would not wish to do anything against her wishes.
