But the SNP move does not suggest any change to the current liberalised Sunday regime in Scotland. Instead the Scottish MPs have said they will support Sunday trading changes south of the border only if there are safeguards that protect current wage premiums on Sundays paid by many major retailers in their Scottish stores, in some cases in agreements with shop workers union Usdaw.
Chancellor George Osborne had announced the intention to devolve Sunday trading earlier this year.
The Association of Convenience Stores opposed the move fearing it would harm small stores, which currently can open longer on a Sunday than large shops.
The opposition of the SNP along with other opposition parties and some Tory MPs meant it seemed impossible for the UK government to push the measure through.
The measure is now likely to be discussed further by the government and the SNP.
