Time for a change? Proposed bill for changing UK Time
By Emma Peart
Recently a bill named the Daylight Saving Bill has passed through the initial stages of Government voting. The bill effectively suggests the changing of time within the UK away from Greenwich Mean Time(GMT).
The proposal is to change to Continental time, whereby in the spring the UK would have GMT plus two hours – also known as Single Double Summer Time (SDST) – and in the autumn GMT plus one hour.
There are a number of benefits that could result, but arguably the main benefit could be commercially to the UK. By putting the UK onto the same time zone as Europe it would perhaps lead to easier trade, with countries in Europe knowing that they do not have to worry about the time difference when trading with the UK. It might also allow the UK to compete for business internationally if it is put on the same working hours as Europe.
The other focus is that it is argued that workers will be working during more daylight hours. As an aside could this help the UK economy by encouraging more business from abroad where the industry is predominantly based outdoors? For example the building industry? However there is one major problem and that is the effect that it would have on the very north of the UK in Scotland. It would mean that the North of Scotland would not have sunrise until 9.45am, potentially making a hazardous journey to work in the morning. Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary, insisted has recently said he would not support the proposed change.
However the potential benefit to UK commerce to putting it onto the same time as Europe cannot be argued with. The Bill is promoted by Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point in Essex, and has just passed the first stage by an overwhelming majority. It now undergoes consideration at Committee stage and it is suggested that proposals for a three year trial may take place.
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