A senior backbench MP has called for a bank holiday to be held in memory of the Queen Mother.

The Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, Sir Patrick Cormack, is campaigning for Tuesday April 9 to be declared a public holiday.

Under his proposal, the nearest Monday to November 11 would also be set aside as a bank holiday to remember the Queen Mother and those who fought in both world wars.

"I believe everybody should have a proper opportunity of remembering and giving thanks for the life of the most remarkable woman of the 20th century. I believe also it would be entirely appropriate for the day of the funeral to be a public holiday," he said.

The matter is likely to be raised in the Commons debate today, however Downing Street has said that no request has been made by the Palace for the move.