The Commons has decided to ban large shops from opening on Christmas Day.

After a marathon debate in the House on Friday, MPs backed a private member's bill which seeks to protect the bank holiday for families.

The Christmas Day (Trading) Bill will now go forward to the Lords where it is thought to have a good chance of passing into law.

Labour backbencher Kevan Jones piloted the legislation with the support of ministers and shopworkers' union Usdaw.

The move came in response to fears that big stores may be forced through competition to end their traditional Christmas closures.

Employment and consumers' minister Gerry Sutcliffe said it would help preserve the "special" nature of December 25.

"I believe legislation is necessary," he told the House.

"The domino effect was a real consideration. Retailers told us that if one of their competitors opened up then they would have to do the same."

Some objections were raised from the opposition that shopkeepers who are not Christians should not be subject to the restriction on their trade.

But the thrust of the bill was overwhelmingly backed by MPs who had stayed in Westminster for the Friday sitting.

However two other bill's that were set to be debated, Andrew Dismore's Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill and David Wright's Sex Discrimination (Clubs and other Private Associations) Bill, did not have time to complete their remaining stages.