Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:

"TUV believes that any further relaxation of the Sunday trading laws in Northern Ireland would be a retrograde step.

"Already a day which many believe in keeping special, both in terms of worship and the family, has been diminished enough without Minister Atwood trying to extend opening hours even further. Moreover, imposing further demands on shop workers is unnecessary and unfair.

"The suggestions fail to take account of the fact that historically the situation in Northern Ireland has been different from the rest of the UK. Additionally, TUV continues to believe that an Equality Impact Assesment needs to be carried out on this devisive proposal. We are surprised that there has been no mention of such by DSD to date.

"TUV has already set out its position on Sunday trading in a comprehensive response to the Department of Social Development's consultation on the subject."

TUV's response to the consultation is online here.