Ditching October clock change would 'reduce car crashes and cut energy use'

A Conservative former minister has called for the UK to ditch the October clock change to boost tourism, cut the number of roads accidents and reduce energy use. Sir Greg Knight, who was an energy minister in the 1990s, suggested there is now an "overwhelming" case to stop the obligatory one-hour, twice-yearly clock change, which extends daylight hours in the summer, but reduces usable daylight hours in winter evenings.

Speaking in the lower chamber during business questions, the MP for East Yorkshire said: "Can we have a Government review followed by a statement into the desirability of abandoning the flawed annual ritual of putting our clocks back every autumn, which plunges the nation into darkness and misery by mid-afternoon for a period of several months?

"Is there not an overwhelming case for using summertime in winter? It would boost tourism, it would cut the number of road accidents and it would reduce energy use. Why don't we try it?"

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said there are "many views across the House on these matters", adding: "I remember the Daylight Saving Bill that was brought forward and opinion tested in this House during I think the coalition government, but I would encourage him to raise it at the relevant questions, but I should also write to the Cabinet Office as it affects a number of departments and make sure they're aware of the honourable gentleman's concerns."

In 2012, Conservative MP Rebecca Harris brought forward the Daylight Saving Bill, as a private member's Bill, which called for a review of the potential costs and benefits of advancing time by one hour for all, or part of, the year. Despite enjoying cross-party support, the passage of the Bill was blocked as it ran out of time to progress.