domingo, 30 de octubre de 2011

Bid to let there be 'more' light - The Press Association

The clocks go back for what could be the last time - but only if the Scots agree.

British Summer Time ends 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.

The bill, tabled by Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point in Essex, calls for a review of the potential costs and benefits of a move to CET and would need further legislation before any trial was launched.

Any "clear opposition" from devolved authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 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. 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.

Individuals, organisations and businesses have been debating the effects of bringing the clocks back.

Speaking during a visit to Australia, 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."

SNP MP Angus MacNeil dismissed the plans to stop the clocks from going back, arguing 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."

No hay comentarios:

Publicar un comentario