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

It comes as leading scientists said an inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK is vital before a second wave hits, as the death toll rises to over 40,000.

The altered Sunday trading laws would coincide with a larger bailout intended to boost retail and hospitality businesses as lockdown restrictions are eased.

This will include licensing laws being streamlined so that cafés and restaurants can serve food outside, removing the present 28-day minimum statutory consultation period.

Ministers have also turned their attention to pubs, and want them to remodel so they’re able to serve customers outside.

Planning restrictions on high street properties will also be simplified, so it’s easier to switch between shops, retail and residential uses.

The new Sunday trading measures and planning laws could be introduced as soon as restrictions end, with ministers convinced the changes will better equip high streets to adapt to a post-coronavirus economy.

In addition, councils will be encouraged to pedestrianise more streets and to allow more outdoor markets so that businesses can adapt to social distancing measures.

The Sunday Trading Act of 1994 allows large stores to open for no more than six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm, although a cross-party group of 40 MPs is pushing the government to scrap them.