Introduced by Tim Yeo (Con, South Suffolk).

The aim of the Bill is to advance time in England by one hour for an experimental period of three years (until October 2011). It would mean that winter would be one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and summer would be two hours ahead. “Double summer time” would lead to a reduction in energy consumption, fewer road traffic accidents and would have an impact on tourism.

Yeo said: “It is ten years since the House of Commons considered this subject. I hope that Parliament will now approve a simple change which will benefit everyone by creating a safer and greener country.”

The Bill would provide the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly (if not suspended), with powers similarly to change time.

During second reading in the Commons, Yeo stated that the Bill has the support of many organisations including, ROSPA, AA, Age Concern, National Farmers Union. 

David Kidney (Lab, Stafford) contributed to the debate and added his support to the Bill. He particularly focused on the benefits for climate change.  

Alan Beith (Lib Dem, Berwick-upon-Tweed) commented on two aspects of the Bill that the Liberal Democrats cannot offer their support to. He said: “Those aspects are the winter time change and the prospect of having different time zones within the United Kingdom”.  

Junior trade and industry minister Jim Fitzpatrick responded on behalf of the government. He stated that the proposed measures are “worthy of serious consideration”.

House of Commons

First reading: December 13 2006 [HC Bill 18]

Second reading: January 26 2007 (debate adjourned)

Bill dropped