Starmer eyes dash to World Cup final and flight home in time for Burnham’s coronation

Sir Keir Starmer is eyeing a last-minute dash to the US for the World Cup final if England beat Argentina on Wednesday as one of his final acts as prime minister, reports suggest.

The outgoing prime minister would plan to watch the game at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday before touching back down in London for his final morning in the top job, sources told The Times.

The newspaper reports the final details of the plan are still being drawn up, but that a No 10 source said there would be no delay to the transfer of power.

Timings would be tight on the day, but should allow the prime minister to enjoy the potential clash at 3pm local time on the east coast before flying back to London to arrive at around 7:30am.

It is understood he will then give his final speech at Downing Street before travelling to Buckingham Palace and formally tendering his resignation to the King. Andy Burnham will then be coronated that afternoon after he received an extra 27 nominations from Labour MPs on Monday, taking his total to 349.

It comes after Downing Street hit back at remarks made by Argentina’s foreign minister over the Falkland Islands just days before the two sides meet in the World Cup semi-final.

Pablo Quirno claimed the population of the Falklands were “artificially implanted by the occupying power”.

Downing Street flatly rejected his claims, saying the Falkland islanders are “British with a right to determine their own future”.

Asked about Mr Quirno’s comments, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “Well, no.”

He added: “The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory, and their right to self-determination is paramount.”

The government is considering a bank holiday on Friday 24 July if England win on Wednesday night, but will only go ahead if the team go all the way and win the tournament.