Lifting coronavirus lockdown: plans to open shops all day on Sundays

Trading laws suspended and pubs allowed to serve again in package of economic measures
The plans are part of a bigger bailout intended to help retail and hospitality businesses to get back on their feet as lockdown restrictions are lifted
The plans are part of a bigger bailout intended to help retail and hospitality businesses to get back on their feet as lockdown restrictions are lifted
JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS

Sunday trading laws will be suspended for a year and cafés and pubs will be given fast-track approval to serve food and drink outside under plans to boost the economy.

Downing Street is drawing up a package of measures in response to mounting concern that Britain will face mass unemployment as it emerges from the coronavirus lockdown.

The government is preparing legislation that will enable larger supermarkets to open for more than six hours on Sundays. Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s chief adviser, are said to be in favour of the move, which is also being pushed by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, and Alok Sharma, the business secretary.

However, Mark Spencer, the chief whip, is concerned that it will be