The clocks have gone back in Britain for what could be the last time – but only if the Scots agree.
British Summer Time ended on Saturday at 2am, but if a new Daylight Saving Bill which has received ministerial backing goes ahead it could bring the UK into line with Central European Time (CET) for a trial period of three years. But any opposition from authorities in Scotland would see the plans dropped.
Moving to CET would mean lighter winter evenings, which supporters claim would cut road deaths, boost tourism and reduce energy use.
Individuals, organisations and businesses have been debating the effects of bringing the clocks back.
But any change is likely to face opposition from many in Scotland who do not relish the prospect of an extra hour of darkness in the morning.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “interested” in the issue, but believes it can only be changed if all parts of the UK agree. He said: “Discussions are under way across Whitehall and with the devolved authorities but that’s the key – you can only do this if there is real national consensus and pressure between all the nations of our United Kingdom.”
Scottish MP Angus MacNeil believes the move would hit everyone living north of Manchester.
He said: “It is no secret that Tories in the south want to leave Scotland in darkness, but fixing the clocks to British Summer Time would mean that dawn wouldn’t break in Scotland until nearly 9am.
“That would have massive implications for the safety and wellbeing of everyone living north of Manchester.”
Moving to CET would mean lighter winter evenings, which supporters claim would cut road deaths, boost tourism and reduce energy use.
Individuals, organisations and businesses have been debating the effects of bringing the clocks back.
But any change is likely to face opposition from many in Scotland who do not relish the prospect of an extra hour of darkness in the morning.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “interested” in the issue, but believes it can only be changed if all parts of the UK agree. He said: “Discussions are under way across Whitehall and with the devolved authorities but that’s the key – you can only do this if there is real national consensus and pressure between all the nations of our United Kingdom.”
Scottish MP Angus MacNeil believes the move would hit everyone living north of Manchester.
He said: “It is no secret that Tories in the south want to leave Scotland in darkness, but fixing the clocks to British Summer Time would mean that dawn wouldn’t break in Scotland until nearly 9am.
“That would have massive implications for the safety and wellbeing of everyone living north of Manchester.”