Senior bishop tells churches ‘it’s fine’ to move services so people can watch Women’s World Cup final

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A senior bishop from the Church of England has told churches “it’s fine” to move morning services so people can watch the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday. The Lionesses will face off against the Spanish women’s team at 11am UK time on Sunday, marking the first time since 1966 that an England team has reached a World Cup final. open image in gallery Local councils and police are being urged to “turn a blind eye” to pubs opening early for the final. Sir Michael Fabricant, the former vice-chair of the Conservative party, wrote to police and fire commissioners in his Litchfield constituency, saying: “I think it would be a marvellous gesture if pubs could be allowed to open early and, although this would be contrary to the law, the police might turn a blind eye on this one occasion only.” In Cornwall, the council and local police officers have already announced they will not take enforcement action against publicans opening early for the big match.