Lib Dems give backing to Sunday trading law change

A decision by eight Liberal Democrat MPs to back a government relaxation of Sunday Trading laws could tip the balance in favour of ending the restrictions on big stores’ opening times.

The Commons had been due to vote this week on the issue – which is supported by the Prime Minister – but it was postponed in the face of opposition from an unlikely alliance of at least 20 Conservative MPs – including three of Prime Minister David Cameron’s former ministers – as well as the SNP, DUP and Labour.

The eight Lib Dems, including party leader Tim Farron, who is a Christian, support the government’s argument that the power to decide Sunday Trading rules should rest with local councils, not Whitehall. The measure is not now expected to return to Parliament until the New Year as part of the Enterprise Bill.

Under the law that dates back to 1994, all shops other than the smallest premises are restricted to six hours opening on Sundays. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has already voiced its opposition to the changes.

Sarah Dickson, director of Liberal Democrat Christian Forum, said the government proposals would give local authorities the powers to decide for themselves whether or not to relax Sunday trading rules. “It won’t force all shops to be open for a full day on a Sunday,” she said. “Instead, it gives local authorities the opportunity to decide what works best for their communities.”