Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy has today called for a new UK bank holiday – and is asking constituents for suggestions of a suitable occasion.

Britain currently sits second from bottom of the European Bank Holiday league with only eight bank holidays a year – the European average is eleven days.  The last time a new bank holiday was introduced was over thirty years ago, when James Callaghan’s Labour Government introduced the May Day bank holiday.

Earlier this month Linda met with representatives from travel agency Thomas Cook to hear about their ‘Vote for a Free Day’ campaign, launched at the end of last year.  She has also signed Early Day Motion 1400, calling upon the Government to announce a new bank holiday without further delay.

Linda Gilroy said “It is obvious to me from meetings with constituents that people are working harder than ever before, juggling both work and family commitments. An extra bank holiday would be a great way of improving the work life balance by giving people an extra day to spend with their family, get involved in their local community – or just to relax!”

Various suggestions for a day off include:

• A ‘Community Day’ to celebrate and encourage local volunteering.

• An ‘Armed Forces’ Day to celebrate the commitment and sacrifice of servicemen and women.

Linda Gilroy added “There are plenty of causes or occasions that are worth celebrating with a bank holiday – for instance honouring the commitment of our armed forces or encouraging volunteering and community involvement. I want to hear what people in Plymouth think”

Linda is now inviting her constituents to get in touch and let her know what they think. They can do so by visiting Linda Gilroy’s website(http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/bankholiday) and positing their views on the ‘Have Your Say’ forums. Alternatively, they can do so by writing to Linda at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

23 May 2008