Relaxation of Sunday trading laws dropped after revolt by ‘more than 50’ backbenchers
THE Government has dropped plans to deregulate Sunday trading hours, after more than 50 Tory backbenchers warned they would vote against it.
The Daily Telegraph understands that the relaxation of shopping rules will not be included in the Business and Planning Bill when it is introduced to Parliament later this week. MPS told Boris Johnson he faced defeat on the issue, warning that the change would “harm local shops and high streets”.
In a letter, seven Tory MPS, including Fiona Bruce, William Wragg and Bob Blackman, told the Prime Minister that “over 50 MPS, from a range of intakes” were opposed to the plans.
David Jones, a former minister who also signed the letter, said it was “very good news” that the plans had been shelved, adding: “I think rather than being seen to do a U-turn, the Government decided not to bring it on in the first place. This is the right thing to do. A lot of smaller shops have been a lifeline for people during the Covid-19 outbreak. This move would have seen trade diverted away from the local shops and it does seem a bit unnecessary to put the boot into them at this particular juncture.”
The current Sunday trading laws were introduced in 1994, and allow smaller shops to open all day in England and Wales, with larger stores limited to between 10am and 6pm.
The Business and Planning Bill is expected to include relaxation of planning rules to allow innovative methods of maximising the amount of trade venues can carry out, such as expanding pavement cafés and other outdoor dining and drinking areas.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will keep measures such as extending Sunday trading hours under review, as they can support shops with social distancing, and allow shoppers to buy food and other items more conveniently.”
Asked if the suggested plans were now on the backburner, he added: “There is a Covid Bill which will look at new ways of working as the country recovers from the disruption caused by coronavirus, and which is intended to help businesses through the summer months, in particular.”
A spokesman for the Keep Sunday Special campaign said: “The regulations as they stand remain a popular compromise with the public.”
James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said he hoped the Government would “move forward with proposals that will support all businesses in the next phase of our recovery from lockdown”.