The survey, conducted by independent analyst Communicate Research, found that 78 per cent of MPs questioned rejected the idea that Sunday trading should be liberalised completely. There was almost uniform support from Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem MPs, as well as other smaller parties at Westminster.
'This is a massive thumbs down to the idea that there is widespread support at Westminster for any relaxation of the present six hours large stores can open on a Sunday,' said Usdaw general secretary John Hannett. 'Nearly half of all backbench MPs from every political party have also signed an Early Day Motion opposing more shopping hours on a Sunday, and we believe that the new evidence from this poll shows the Government will have a real fight on their hands trying to get any new legislation through Parliament.'
In a separate survey for lobby group Deregulate, Verdict concluded that most small retailers would not be damaged by an extension of Sunday trading hours for all retailers.
No comments yet