Starmer confirms pubs can stay open late for England's 1am World Cup clash with Mexico

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The outgoing Prime Minister announced on Thursday he is "making sure" pubs will be be able to stay open late for England's second knockout stage match of the tournament.

England will face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Fifa World Cup after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

Monday’s match had not been covered by existing measures to extend pub hours for England matches until 2am, and would run past that time anyway.

But Sir Keir confirmed that pubs will stay open as late as 5am as the Three Lions take on hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Read more: When do England play next? Three Lions round-of-16 time and opponents confirmed

Read more: 'I had my hero moment today': Harry Kane hails 'amazing' win after captain's late goals rescue England

In a video posted to X, the PM said: "We're making sure pubs can stay open on Monday morning, early on Monday morning, for the England game.

"So I know lots of people are making their plans, if you're planning to watch it in the pub that is great and it is really good for pubs as well. So come on England."

News of the extension was welcomed by those in the pub trade.Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “This pragmatic approach allows venues to focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team.“

Major sporting occasions like this deliver a significant boost to hospitality businesses while creating an atmosphere that unites the country.

“As England heads into one of the biggest games of the tournament, let’s get behind the team, support our local venues, and give the country something positive to celebrate.“We hope this weekend marks not only a memorable occasion for England on the pitch, but also a much-needed boost for our hospitality sector and the communities it serves.”

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: ”Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.

“This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the Government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly.

“Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”

It is normally up to councils to decide whether pubs can stay open late to allow fans to watch the end of the match. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had urged them to sign off on extended hours amid fears they would not be open during the game.

Earlier, the Liberal Democrats called for a blanket extension for licensing hours, but No 10 said “it is for local councils to make those decisions”.

Bur Mr Reed has now written to council leaders informing them of the changes.

Pubs will need a temporary event notice to show the match at all, as earlier licensing extensions only apply to matches that kick off between 9pm and 10pm.

Dudley Council said it had approved 40 such notices for Monday’s match. However, any premises applying on Thursday would be rejected as “legislation does not give sufficient time now for a temporary event notice to be issued”.

Medway Council said it had granted 14 notices but “there now isn’t enough time between now and Monday morning’s game for a temporary event notice to be submitted and approved”.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said it had received 16 notices “made correctly in accordance with legislation which we have approved”.

Reading Borough Council said it had approved 13 notices for Monday and Southampton City Council said it had approved 18.

A spokesperson for Dudley Council said: “For the game Monday morning, 40 temporary event notices have been issued, by Dudley Council.

“Six were not issued after West Midlands Police issued counter notices following concerns that the premises would not be able to uphold the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective.

“There have been a lot of inquiries today from premises also wishing to open, but haven’t yet applied.

“The legislation does not give sufficient time now for a temporary event notice to be issued, therefore anyone applying or inquiring now is being told that they cannot open after their usual licensed hours on Monday morning.”

A spokesperson for the mayor of London said: “The mayor is urging local authorities in the capital to work closely with the hospitality industry to allow pubs to stay open into the early hours of Monday morning, so that Londoners can back our pubs and cheer on in England as they take on Mexico.”

Lib Dem Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson, who called for a blanket extension on Thursday, said refusing to grant one would be “the worst decision since the introduction of hydration breaks”.

He earlier told the Commons: “Harry Kane’s heroics last night means that many England fans are looking forward to an early morning or a late night, depending on one’s perspective, on Monday, and this is a good thing.

“But pubs risk missing out on a real opportunity to get more money into the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel has called for children to stay up late and watch the match.

Asked if the Prime Minister backs that call, Downing Street said: “Parents will make their own decision on that.”

Sir Keir’s spokeswoman said: “We want everyone to enjoy the game but kids should be in school on Monday.

“The PM has his usual packed schedule on Monday, so he’ll be facing the same dilemma as everyone else on whether to stay up.

“Win or lose, I think millions of England supporters will be at work on Monday, and the PM will be doing the same.”

Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith earlier said she planned to take a “disco nap” on Sunday afternoon and then stay up late to watch the match.