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Proceeding contribution from Valerie Vaz (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 30 April 2012. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [Lords].


Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [Lords]

I thank the Minister for that intervention. I do not know whether he has ever been a worker right at the bottom of the pile, but it is very difficult for such people to refuse when an employer tells them to do something. Many people, myself included, have been prevented from getting promotion because they were not flexible enough. People who work in shops also have to think about that, because a refusal to work on Sundays could be used against them. I have a number of questions for the Minister. Has he had any discussions with the police about the extra numbers who will have to be on duty as a result of the crimes that could take place in shops during the longer opening hours? Secondly, what evidence led him to say that the Bill was needed? Was there a special adviser, a point man, whose job was to liaise with Westfield, for example? Thirdly, is the Minister aware of a GfK/NOP poll conducted in 2010 that showed that 89% of people were against further liberalisation of Sunday trading? The workers are against the Bill, small businesses are against it, and it is against family values. None of those people wants it, and the majority of the British people will gain no benefit from it. I urge Members to vote against the Bill.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
543 c1332 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Conditions of employment Leisure Greater London Opening hours Religion Small businesses Working hours Shops Retail trade Supermarkets Sunday trading Olympic Games 2012 Paralympic Games 2012 Sunset clauses
Legislation
Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill (HL) 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk