Prime Minister Keir Starmer signals a change that allows pubs in the UK to remain open later for England’s World Cup last-16 game against Mexico. Multiple outlets report that the proposal is a response to concerns that licensing rules could otherwise require many venues to close before the match finishes. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday, with reporting noting it could run later depending on whether it goes into extra time and penalties.
Coverage across several newspapers and broadcasters says Starmer’s decision extends permitted opening hours so fans can continue watching the match at licensed premises throughout the early hours. The reports also describe the decision as a “workaround” or salvaging of an approach initially threatened by licensing constraints. BBC and other listings referenced in the summaries indicate that, as a result, pubs are permitted to stay open until 5am on Monday. Some reports frame this as the outcome of public calls for longer opening hours ahead of the England match, and of government efforts to address the licensing fallout.
