I appreciate people’s concern and I am happy to clarify what this announcement means.
Currently large shops can only be open for six consecutive hours on Sundays whereas small shops do not face this restriction. The Government has proposed giving local areas the power to decide whether they wish to change these rules. We will consult on devolving this power to allow mayors or councils to extend Sunday trading hours within restrictions that they would decide. I am glad these decisions can be taken at the local level so those closest will have a greater say over their own economies.
I understand there are strong feelings on both sides of the debate and opinion can be divided on this issue. However, I hope that all those who have an important stake in this, including church groups, unions and small businesses will participate in the debate at the local level.
By Patrick McLoughlin on October 27, 2015