Keir Starmer Expected to Approve Emergency Licensing Changes Before England’s World Cup Clash With Mexico

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to announce emergency licensing measures ahead of England’s highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown against Mexico.

The Three Lions are scheduled to face El Tri on Sunday evening local time at the iconic Aztec Stadium, with kick-off set for 6:00pm in Mexico. For fans in the UK, however, the match will begin at 1:00am on Monday, July 6, creating challenges for supporters hoping to watch the game in pubs and other licensed venues.

England secured their place in the knockout stages after battling to a dramatic 2-1 victory over tournament newcomers DR Congo. Thomas Tuchel’s side looked destined for an early exit after falling behind inside the opening seven minutes, but captain Harry Kane rescued the team with two late goals during the final 20 minutes in Atlanta, Georgia.

The victory kept England’s World Cup hopes alive, but an even greater challenge now awaits. Mexico have emerged as one of the standout teams of the tournament, winning every match so far without conceding a single goal. Their defensive record makes them the first nation to achieve such a feat at this stage of the competition since Italy accomplished it during the 1990 World Cup.

Government Considers Emergency Pub Opening Hours

With millions of supporters expected to stay awake through the early hours to follow England’s progress, the UK government is now considering relaxing licensing regulations for the occasion.

Reports suggest Keir Starmer, who is expected to leave office on July 9, could approve temporary measures allowing pubs across England to remain open until 5:00am on Monday morning. An official announcement is expected before the weekend.

Current licensing rules only permit automatic extensions until 2:00am for sporting events that begin no later than 10:00pm. Although the Home Office previously introduced special licensing arrangements for earlier World Cup fixtures, England’s late-night meeting with Mexico fell outside those regulations.

As a result, pub landlords have been required to apply for Temporary Event Notices through their local councils if they wish to remain open beyond normal closing hours. These notices would allow venues to continue serving customers until approximately 3:30am, covering the possibility of extra time and penalties.

However, several operators reportedly missed the required five-working-day application deadline, leading to a number of requests being rejected.

In response, Secretary of State for Communities Steve Reed has reportedly written to councils across the country, encouraging them to approve late applications wherever possible so supporters can enjoy the match together.

Tuchel Wants Children to Experience the Occasion

England manager Thomas Tuchel has also weighed in on the excitement surrounding the fixture, suggesting that children should be allowed to stay up and watch such a special occasion, even if it means missing school the following day.

Speaking ahead of the match, Tuchel said parents should write an excuse for school if necessary, arguing that while education is important, the World Cup only comes around once every four years.

He stressed that England would need the support of the entire nation, particularly young fans, as they attempt to reach the quarter-finals.

Not everyone in government shares that view, however.

Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith responded by insisting that education must remain the priority. While acknowledging that many young supporters will want to watch the match, she argued that missing valuable learning time is a far greater disappointment in the long run.

Smith added that she plans to watch the game herself but joked that she would prepare with a “little disco nap” beforehand, expressing confidence that she would arrive at work the next morning refreshed and celebrating an England victory.