UK Chancellor Faces Party Rebellion Over Extended Weekend Shopping Hours

According to local media reports, UK Chancellor George Osborne is facing strong opposition within his Conservative party amid plans to give local authorities power to extend Sunday shop opening hours.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – UK Chancellor George Osborne is facing a strong opposition within his Conservative party amid plans to give local authorities power to extend Sunday shops opening hours, local media said Sunday.

"Government should recognize the strength of opposition for a plan that was not in our manifesto and should at least agree a compromise which restricts deregulation to tourist zones," Conservative member of parliament for Enfield Southgate David Burrowes said as quoted by Sky News.

According to local media, several ministers expressed their readiness to quit if the government goes ahead with its plan to relax Sunday trading laws.

Currently, large shops (over 3,000 square feet) in England and Wales are allowed to open for up to six hours on Sundays, while smaller shops may set their own opening times.

Scotland currently has no general legislation regarding Sunday trading.

British members of parliament from other parties have also warned that the proposed bill would lead to diminution of workers’ pay and rights in the country.