Downing Street has poured cold water on hopes of an extra bank holiday next year.

The PM's official spokesman dismissed reports that Brits could get a bonus day off to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 marks Germany's unconditional surrender in 1945 and the end of the war in Europe. Victory over Japan Day (VJ) on August 15 commemorates when Japan surrendered, effectively bringing the Second World War to an end.

Speculation had been mounting that the Government was looking at creating an extra bank holiday to give the country a four-day weekend in either May or August. But No10 today said the commemorations would not include an extra day off.

The PM's official spokesman said: "The 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day are moments of huge significance for our country where we come together to honour the memory of those who served.

Soldiers celebrating on VE Day in 1945 (
Image:
Mirrorpix)

"We are committed to commemorating and observing these national important occasions appropriately which is why we've announced more than £10million for events to mark them. We'll set out more detail shortly.

"These plans do not include an additional bank holiday but we will look to use the existing early May bank holiday for commemorative events."

It is thought this could be the last major opportunity to commemorate the generation who fought in the Second World War. An estimated 70,000 veterans of the 1939-1945 conflict are still alive today, with some appearing at the D-Day commemorations in Normandy earlier this year.

Communities across the UK came out to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May 2020, with socially distanced street parties and gatherings held across the country which was still in the grips of the Covid pandemic.