Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is against changing Sunday trading hours to keep supermarkets and car parks open for longer at weekends. Last month, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice admitted he was "opposed" to changing Sunday trading restrictions at stores such as Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons, which would have a knock-on effect for motorists.
According to The Grocer, the idea of revisiting supermarket closing times was informally broached by Treasury sources after concerns from supermarket chiefs over the impact of rate rises. Sources suggested that relaxing Sunday trading rules could be seen as part of mitigation measures for introducing higher business rates. If pushed through, the rule would impact motorists as supermarket car parks would also remain open for longer in a boost for car owners.
Stores could provide a valuable source of parking for locals in busy city centres well into Sunday afternoon, although many companies are cracking down on misuse. But, the Reform UK deputy fired back at the idea, suggesting he saw “no reason” for the change.
Mr Tice told the Express: “I remain opposed to changing the Sunday trading laws as they currently are. They have existed for decades, and I see no reason to change them.”
Sunday trading rules state that large stores, considered over 280 square metres, must trade for a maximum of only six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm. Typically, major supermarkets open at 10am and close at 4pm, often causing a rush among customers on Sunday afternoons.
Most shops used to be completely closed on Sundays until the rule was introduced in August 1994. Smaller stores, such as corner shops, are exempt from the guidelines and can remain open for an unlimited time on Sundays.
However, last month, Government officials confirmed that there were “no plans” to change Sunday trading hours at this stage.
The Government previously told the Express: “his pro-business government is creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field and we intend to introduce a permanently lower business rates multiplier for retail properties from next year.
“The Government does not intend to make changes to Sunday trading rules.”
However, Reform UK’s Gawain Towler suggested that politicians could yet U-turn on the decision and bring it back to the table. He said: “How many times have we heard that? I have great confidence in my Chancellor of the Exchequer.”