

The Queen's 65 years on the throne should be celebrated with a national public holiday this summer, according to MPs.

Conservative Andrew Rosindell said it would be a missed opportunity if there are no celebrations given that the Queen made history earlier this year by becoming the first British monarch to reach their Sapphire Jubilee.

He suggested a day of celebrations could be held in June and enable people to enjoy street parties and other major events, something which occurred in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Rosindell will be given time on Tuesday to introduce his Queen's Sapphire Jubilee Bill into the Commons, which seeks to guarantee in law a celebration across the UK, its overseas territories and Crown dependencies.

The Queen acceded to the throne following the death of her father, George VI, on February 6 1952.

Romford MP Mr Rosindell told the Press Association: "It's almost certainly going to be a very long time before any monarch gets anywhere near 65 years.

"It's the first time we've had any Sapphire Jubilee and if we let this go by and don't have some sort of national day of celebration, it'll be a missed opportunity.

"It's also for the young people - I remember the Silver Jubilee as a kid and learnt how important these national occasions are."

Mr Rosindell said he understood the Queen is a "very modest" person and does not necessarily expect or want huge celebrations, adding he would not wish to do anything against her wishes.

He also said: "I have personally spoken to Theresa May about the idea and she was certainly positive in her approach to this.

"I hope the Government will put some ideas to Her Majesty for her agreement and hopefully in June have a celebration."

Ukip's Douglas Carswell, who supports the proposal, said: "The Queen has been a brilliant figure in Britain and the Commonwealth throughout her lifetime, and this milestone is all the more reason to celebrate her achievements."



