Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will establish an additional bank holiday to honour veterans on the Monday after Remembrance Sunday.

The Government recognises the sacrifices made by so many veterans and the huge debt of gratitude owed to those who have served their country.

The Government regularly receives requests for additional bank and public holidays to mark a variety of occasions, but we believe that the current pattern of bank holidays is well established and accepted.

In addition, as annual leave entitlement has increased for many workers in recent years, we do not have any plans to create another permanent bank holiday at this time.