The Downing Street attempts to show support for the Lionesses ahead of their World Cup final has been described as a “complete shambles”.
The bunting draped from the Downing Street railings on Friday morning appeared to be in “stark contrast” from the decorations ahead of the men’s European Championships final in 2021, reports The Telegraph.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the chairman of the Commons culture, media and sport committee, said: “There’s certainly a stark contrast between Downing Street decorations then and now.
“I hope No 10 are going to raise their game before Sunday.”
Pictures who show a single string of bunting to celebrate the Lionesses ahead of Sunday whereas in 2021 those efforts seem doubled – with twice the amount of flags.
But the Downing Street display was ramped up on Friday afternoon, with more decorations added.
Rishi Sunak will not attend the final in Australia – nor will any members of the Royal Family, despite the Queen of Spain making the trip over to cheer on her national side.
However, UK foreign secretary James Cleverly will go to cheer the team on instead.
He will be joined by Lucy Frazer, the cabinet minister responsible for sports policy.
Health minister Neil O’Brien said that the prime minister would “love to be there” but had other diary commitments.
He said: “The prime minister has a lot of crucial things in his diary, and some of those he can’t always move.”
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesman, said: “The Lionesses have inspired millions of people across the country during the World Cup.
“They deserve the full support from the nation in Sunday’s final, including from the Prime Minister.
“Instead, the Government’s approach has been a complete shambles.
“They can’t even decorate Downing Street properly.
“This is yet more evidence of their weak attempt to support the most successful England football team in a generation.
“You can’t help but suspect that if it was the England men’s team playing in the final, it would likely be a very different story.
“The country is ready to rally behind the Lionesses.
“Once again, the Prime Minister appears out of touch.”
The Government has said it has no plans for a bank holiday to celebrate an England victory in the final, despite calls from Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
There has never been one held to mark a sporting occasion in UK history.
