Supermarket bosses are calling on ministers to extend Sunday trading hours in the run up to Christmas.
Retail bosses have launched a lobbying drive over concerns the festive rush could put customers' safety at risk during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sainsbury's and Morrisons are understood to be leading the campaign, according to Sky News sources.
Under proposals, thousands of stores could be allowed to stay open for more than six hours on Sundays in December in a revision of the Sunday Trading Act which came into force in 1994.
Earlier this year, it was reported that larger supermarkets could be allowed to stay open for longer on Sundays for 12 months under emergency trading legislation.
The plans aimed to boost the economy and help struggling retailers who had been impacted by the pandemic.
However, it attracted huge opposition from Conservative MPs.
"We stand squarely behind your ambition to stimulate economic growth and revitalise British high streets, but removing Sunday trading hours will not achieve this" a statement, signed by MPs, warned.
Sunday trading laws were first introduced under the Sunday Trading Act in 1994.
It means large retailers can only open for six continuous hours between 10.00am and 6pm on Sundays.
These rules apply in England and Wales only with a number of exemptions such as pharmacists, shops at airports, railways and service stations.
In 2016, former Prime Minister David Cameron’s attempted to abolish the rules – however his decision was blocked by 27 Tory MPs.
A Department for Business spokesman told Mirror Money trading times are under review.
A BEIS spokesperson said: "The existing laws on Sunday trading still apply. We continue to have regular conversations with the retail sector and will keep measures under review."
Mirror Money has contacted Sainsbury's and Morrisons for a comment.
