As the anticipation builds for the World Cup final, it appears Sir Keir Starmer may be preparing to honour the England football team should they secure victory. Sources within the Labour Party indicate that the Prime Minister is keen to personally acknowledge the achievements of the Three Lions, potentially awarding knighthoods to captain Harry Kane and tournament standout Jude Bellingham.
A Shift in Stance
This prospective honour would mark a significant shift for Starmer, who previously announced intentions to forgo a traditional resignation honours list, a decision influenced by the controversies surrounding similar lists issued by former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak. In 2023, he stated, “Tony Blair didn’t have a resignation list. It’s very hard to justify. There are other avenues for that and I think it’s easier to be clean about this and simply say, no, I wouldn’t do it.”
However, with the World Cup final looming, the prospect of honouring the football team appears to have swayed Starmer’s position. A senior Labour figure voiced, “Keir is definitely not going to leave honouring the England football team to Andy Burnham; he wants to do that himself.”
Fervent Football Fan
Starmer’s passion for football is well-documented, and he has been open about his enthusiasm for the sport. Recently, during Prime Minister’s Questions, he quipped about having an “important meeting with my television at 8pm” on the day of England’s playoff against Argentina. His unwavering support for the team has only intensified as the final approaches.
Should England reach the final this Sunday, it is anticipated that Starmer’s last act as Prime Minister will involve travelling to New York to witness the match live at Metlife Stadium. Speculation continues as Downing Street remains tight-lipped about whether Starmer will adhere to his original decision on resignation honours.
Potential Celebrations Ahead
Even if England does not make it to the final, there remains the possibility for key players to receive accolades in the New Year’s Honours list. The historical precedent set following the team’s semi-final run in 2018 saw Kane and former manager Gareth Southgate awarded MBEs, highlighting the tradition of celebrating sporting achievements.
During recent parliamentary sessions, discussions surrounding the World Cup have dominated the agenda, with MPs acknowledging Starmer’s notable win rate of 76%—the highest of any Prime Minister in history. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch remarked, “We all hope Sir Keir will emulate [former Labour PM Harold Wilson] in another way by being the Prime Minister when England win the World Cup.” In response, Starmer quipped, “England only win World Cups under Labour,” further intertwining his political narrative with national pride in football.
Why it Matters
The potential honours for the England football team underlines the intersection of sports and politics in the UK, showcasing how a national triumph can unify a country and influence political decisions. For Sir Keir Starmer, this moment could redefine his legacy as Prime Minister, allowing him to connect with the public through the lens of sporting achievement. Celebrating the success of the England team would not only honour their efforts on the global stage but could also serve as a strategic move to enhance his political standing as he prepares to step down. As the nation collectively holds its breath for the final, the implications of a win extend beyond the pitch, resonating within the corridors of power.
