'˜Keep Sunday trading hours special' urges MP

MP Grahame Morris is backing calls to stop Sunday trading hours from being extended by ministers.
Easington MP Grahame Morris.Easington MP Grahame Morris.
Easington MP Grahame Morris.

Mr Morris, who represents Easington, attended a lobby of Parliament organised by the Keep Sunday Special coalition to oppose the Government’s proposal to devolve Sunday trading regulations.

Members of shopworkers union Usdaw and convenience store owners met with MPs to argue that extended opening in large stores will reduce trade for small stores and lead to even more retail staff in large stores being “pressured” to work longer hours on Sundays.

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Mr Morris said: “The Sunday Trading Act is a great British compromise, which gives everyone a little bit of what they want.

“Retailers can trade, customers can shop, staff can work; whilst Sunday remains a special day, different to other days, and shopworkers can spend some time with their family.

“I am convinced that shops are currently open long enough for people to do their shopping and that Sunday should remain a special day, different to any other.

The Labour MP added: “I oppose devolving Sunday trading because it will lead to longer opening hours.”