MP makes case for double summertime

ROAD SAFETY and tourism benefits are the key issues behind a debate on the end of putting the clocks back during the winter.

Sir Greg Knight, MP for East Yorkshire, criticised the "flawed ritual of plunging the UK into darkness by mid-afternoon" and suggested a debate was required on making better use of daylight.

The Tory said any examination should look at the benefits which would see the clocks run two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time during the summer.

In 2010, Prime Minister David Cameron suggested he was ready to consider the proposal.

Supporters claim a change could add millions to Britain's earnings from tourism but opponents say the darker mornings would make life more difficult for groups including early-rising farmers.

People will need to put their clocks back overnight Saturday to Sunday.

Speaking during business questions, Sir Greg asked Deputy Commons Leader Tom Brake: "Can we have a debate on making better use of natural resources, particularly daylight?

"Are you aware that this weekend we are to undertake the flawed ritual of putting our clocks back one hour, thereby plunging the UK into darkness by mid-afternoon?

"Can we have the opportunity to examine the case for changing to British summertime and double summertime, that is putting our clocks forward an hour?

"It would make the afternoons lighter, it would reduce road accidents and it would boost tourism."

Mr Brake replied: "Clearly I think we are all in favour of making better use of daylight.

"That is an issue I know the Commons has considered on a number of occasions previously.

"I am well aware of the arguments you are putting forward in terms of the benefit that would be derived particularly, for instance, for the tourist industry and also the road safety implications."

By Richard Wheeler, Press Association