Extended Sunday trading blocked

The government has blocked a proposal by a group of big retailers to get Sunday opening hours extended. Ministers will announce that they see no reason to bow to the demands of a vociferous lobby led by Asda, B&Q and Ikea. A statement could come as early as next week. Senior Whitehall officials say the government originally supported the move but because there was no consensus among retailers it found it hard to make the case for a reform, which would have required legislation.

Analysis on behalf of the government found it difficult to quantify economic benefits and ministers are mindful in particular of protecting small shopkeepers and Asian traders, who would face business catastrophe if supermarkets could open longer hours. 'This is an extremely important victory for small shops,' said James Lowman, of the Association of Convenience Stores. 'We believe consumers don't want this measure and clearly there is welling political opposition. If Sunday trading was extended it would have been devastating for small shops.'

A motion opposing any change has been signed by 287 MPs, including 177 Labour members. Any change would have to be agreed by parliament and the government would be under pressure to allow a free vote where it would run the risk of defeat.