MP Calls for Review of Winter Clock Change

Sir Greg is calling for the government to abandon the annual ritual of putting back the clocks in Autumn and he is urging that clocks be brought forward by one hour all year round.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Greg called for a government review of the desirability of ending the ritual of putting clocks back every autumn.

He told the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP: “Is there not a good case for keeping summertime in winter? It would cut the number of road accidents, cut energy use and boost tourism”.

Sir Greg points out that under current arrangements, the country is plunged into darkness from mid-afternoon every day until next Spring. He adds: “I am calling for a review into extending summertime so we can enjoy lighter afternoons the whole year around.”  

Sir Greg’s views are supported by road safety organisations, tourism bosses, the Football Association, and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

He adds, “In the morning, most road journeys are predictable and people are fresh and alert. If the first journey of the day was partly in darkness, it would still be safer than the present situation where during winter most afternoon and early evening journeys are carried out in darkness.”

“Importantly”, he says “putting Britain on summertime in winter would boost tourism in East Yorkshire, where it gets dark a full 30 minutes before sunset arrives in Cornwall.  

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has estimated that abandoning the practice of putting our clocks forward could reduce road deaths by around 80 per year, and serious injuries by around 212 per year, as well as providing a boost to inbound tourism.