Lighter evenings edge a little closer

Paul Dancey on 29/11/2011

The UK Government recently decided to back Rebecca Harris' Private Members Bill, which if passed would require that an independent review is held to assess the costs and benefits of moving clocks forward by an hour throughout the year, not just during the 'summer' months.

Lighter Later, the campaign behind the bill, maintain the change would have widespread support and provide something like a £2.5 billion boost to leisure and tourism, whilst reducing carbon dioxide emissions and road casualties.

Sport's organizations have also been keen to point out that lighter evening throughout the year would increase opportunities for participation across a wide range of outdoor activities, which would help to improve overall levels of fitness and thus provide major health benefits.

If the bill is passed, and the review reaches a positive conclusion, the Government will then have to implement a three year trial of the change, providing the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland agree to any proposed trial.

In explaining the background to the process, UK Business Minister Ed Davey MP said: "As the Prime Minister has made clear we would need consensus from the devolved administrations if any change were to take place… It is only right that we at least look at what the potential economic and social benefits of any change might be."

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