Conservative MPs to rebel against Sunday trading plans

A number of Tory MPs are expected to rebel and two have even threatened to resign, over the plans to remove Sunday trading protections, which will be voted on in the House of Commons this week.

The proposals, which have been criticised significantly since they were revealed last July, would devolve powers to local councils to dictate store opening hours on Sundays.

Originally part of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill, the plans were dropped last November after the Scottish National Party (SNP) indicated it would vote against them.

Yet in an attempt to steer the plans through the House of Commons with minimal scrutiny and opposition, they were added last month to the Enterprise Bill, prompting Christian Concern and others to criticise the government for its lack of transparency.

Rebellion

David Burrowes MP, who is co-ordinating the Tory rebellion, said that many MPs are planning to rebel during the debate on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Reports suggest that up to 50 MPs are willing to defy Chancellor George Osborne, either by abstaining or by voting against the move.

"There are 23 Conservatives who have signed up to stop the government's plan to deregulate Sunday trading for large shops and more lined up to oppose or abstain, including ministers and parliamentary private secretaries.

"Putting that together, the government are facing the biggest rebellion against them since the election - on a subject on which it is unnecessary to cause such division at this particular time."

Former cabinet member Caroline Spelman has proposed a compromise that would allow cities with large numbers of tourists to opt out of existing Sunday trading laws, which David Burrowes indicated may be an acceptable amendment:

"[The] government should recognise the strength of opposition for a plan that was not in our manifesto and should at least agree a compromise which restricts deregulation to tourist zones."

Christian Concern's Chief Executive Andrea Williams has opposed this proposed amendment, however.

"Such a compromise will only open the door to further liberalisation later on," she said.

"MPs should stand firm in their opposition in order to protect our families and our workers, who will be most affected by these changes."

'Families that will suffer'

New research has indicated that the Scottish economy, including Scottish workers, could lose out if the proposed changes are implemented south of the border.

A report by an economic consultancy Biggar Economics, claims that the Scottish workforce will lose £74m a year, if Sunday wage premiums were removed, as a result of longer Sunday trading hours in England and Wales.

60,000 retail workers would be affected, with each worker losing around £1,300 a year.

Amidst suggestions that the SNP had dropped its opposition to the government plans, a Keep Sunday Special representative emphasised last week that hard-working families were most at risk:

"Whatever deal the SNP may be looking to strike with the Tories, it is difficult to see how it would protect Scottish workers from losing their premium pay. It is these Scottish workers and families that will suffer as a result of the plans to devolve Sunday trading hours, and the SNP must stand up for them and vote against the measure next week."

Please pray

Please pray that the plans, which would further destabilise family life, will be defeated this week in the House of Commons this week.