Morrisons backs controversial plans to relax Sunday trading law

Chancellor George Osborne is facing a major Tory rebellion over the plans for England and Wales as dozens of Conservative backbenchers are expected to oppose the change as the Bill is debated by MPs on Wednesday.

Reports also suggest the Prime Minister could face the prospect of ministers resigning in order to join the revolt.

However Morrisons has welcomed the idea. A spokesman told The Yorkshire Post: “Many customers tell us that they would appreciate a relaxation of Sunday trading hours.

“On Sundays, they can shop online or place a bet at a high street bookie but sometimes they can’t visit their local supermarket. So we support the idea of a sensible change of opening hours.”

Under the Government’s plans, within Business Secretary Sajid Javid’s Enterprise Bill, local authorities would get the power to extend Sunday opening hours.

The Chancellor announced plans to shake-up Sunday trading laws in his first Budget after returning to office last year, but could face a defeat over the plans a week before his next set-piece financial statement. Jeremy Corbyn and Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale have penned a joint letter calling on First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to rule out her 54 MPs supporting the move. It said Labour “strongly opposed” the Bill, which would “lead to the gradual erosion of workers’ pay and rights”.