Last night the SNP issued a statement saying they will oppose the government’s plans to liberalise Sunday trading in England and Wales.

The government are now facing a potential defeat as up to 24 Tory rebels could join the SNP and Labour in opposing the liberalisation of Sunday trading.

The key vote will take place today as the Enterprise Bill reaches Report Stage in the House of Commons and the result of the vote is expected this evening.

There had been rumours of a possible deal between the government and the SNP after new protections allowing workers to opt-out of Sunday work more easily were included in the government’s proposals.

But these protections were shown to be fundamentally flawed in a legal opinion from an employment law expert John Bowers QC, commissioned by the Christian Institute.

Speaking ahead of today's vote, CARE’s chief executive Nola Leach said: “We urge MPs to reject the government’s proposals today and to support amendment number 1 in the name of David Burrows which would delete Sunday trading proposals from the Enterprise Bill.”

Image taken from Keep Sunday Special website