Abolish internet shopping in Belgium, says leader of party in coalition

Paul Magnette, the Socialist party leader, describes e-commerce as social and ecological degradation'

The leader of a party in Belgium's governing coalition has sparked a debate after proposing that the country abolish internet shopping to let its high streets thrive and reduce night warehouse work.

Paul Magnette, the leader of the Socialist party and mayor of Charleroi, Belgium's third biggest city, said he feared the current trends were hollowing out urban centres and driving down working conditions.