MP says 'keep Remembrance Day' special
LOCAL MP Christopher Fraser wants to see large shops banned from trading on Remembrance Sundays because of their distracting effect on people paying their respects in town centres.
The SW Norfolk MP, who is stepping down at this year's General Election, is one of 12 sponsors of Sir Patrick Cormack's Remembrance Sunday (Closure of Shops) Bill, which was debated in the House of Commons on Friday.
The bill's second reading was postponed until Friday, April 23, after objections were raised.
Mr Fraser said: "I fully support this bill, which would mean large shops of 3,000 square feet and above would be prevented from opening on Remembrance Sunday.
"This is a hugely important date in our calendar and holds very special meaning for many people. It is right that the importance of this day is recognised by putting it on equal footing with other key dates such as Christmas Day and Easter Sunday."
He added: "It is a great shame that currently the hustle and bustle of normal Sunday trading can often act as a distraction against Remembrance parades through town centres.
"On top of that, many shop workers feel unable to pay their respects during Remembrance parades because they are working – the bill would go some way in addressing this.
"Above all, I believe it is right that we honour those who gave their lives many years ago in two great wars and those who have fought for us since – most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan – and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
"The small gesture of ensuring large shops are closed on Remembrance Sunday would help us to observe Remembrance Sunday with the dignity and decorum it deserves."
Sunday trading laws currently ban shops of more than 3,000sq ft from opening on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday; smaller shops are not restricted.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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