Labour MP Rosie Cooper is against the deregulation of Sunday trading hours because of the detrimental impact it would have on the 2.7 million shopworkers, local small businesses and the people living near large stores who already suffer noise and congestion six and a half days a week.

According to a recent NOP poll 62% of the public do not want an extension to the current opening hours, as shoppers have 150 hours each week in which to make their purchases. It is claimed by some large retailers that by removing restrictions it will increase the number of job opportunities.

Rosie Cooper MP said:

“For every shopper who benefits from longer trading hours there are many workers and their families who lose out. I think there is already sufficient time in the week when shops are open in which people can shop."