Overview

• The Treasury told media it does not intend to alter the six-hour Sunday limit for large stores, responding to fresh lobbying to relax the rules.
• New coalition Open Sundays is urging Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer to support a Sunday Trading (Modernisation) Bill and trial regional pilots before any wider rollout.
• Current legislation restricts shops over 280 square metres to six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm, while smaller outlets are exempt from time limits.
• Campaigners cite the temporary 2012 Olympic suspension, which coincided with a reported 3.2% rise in September retail sales, and point to Scotland’s unrestricted Sunday trading.
• Critics, including faith groups and labor voices referenced in coverage, warn extended hours could pressure more staff to work on Sundays and disrupt family time.