West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas will lead a debate in parliament tomorrow calling for an extra bank holiday next year.

His aim is to help those affected by a change in the early May date to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Business Secretary Greg Clark has announced that in 2020 this will be moved back by four days, from Monday, May 4 to the Friday of that week, May 8, so that it can become part of a three-day weekend of events to mark the end of fighting against the Nazis and the end of war in Europe.

While keen to see the occasion properly remembered, Mr Thomas said that the relatively late notice of the change of date had already caused problems for many people and businesses.

He is leading a debate to discuss the potential for the government to make both the Monday and Friday bank holidays.

Before he speaks to MPs, Mr Thomas would like to hear from people about how they will be affected by the change in date, to support his argument.

He said: “A day to pay tribute to those who served in one of the most significant events in our country’s history is absolutely the right thing to do.

“However, the change has been announced with just 11 months to go and while that may seem a long way off, some plans and events which were already in motion and which relied on the original bank holiday have been affected."

Mr Thomas said he had already been contacted by a number of businesses on the Isles of Scilly with regard to the World Pilot Gig Championships, which is traditionally held over the Early May Bank Holiday, fearful that they would lose their bookings - although organisers have since confirmed the championships would still be held as originally planned, from May 1 to 3, to avoid disruption to crews that had already made arrangements.

“I have also heard about a firm which manufactures calendars and they estimate they will lose £200,000 from having to change the date.

“Ordinarily speaking I would not back the idea of inflicting further bank holidays on small businesses, but given the importance of commemorating VE day and the fact that the Government left the decision to change dates so late, I am proposing it makes both days bank holidays," he added.

“I have secured a debate in parliament next Tuesday on this matter and I want to hear from anyone who has been affected so that I can raise concerns directly with other colleagues and the government.”

Mr Thomas is asking people to email him at derek.thomas.mp@parliament.uk before tomorrow, June 18.