News from Sheffield Labour

Betts backs more daylight campaign for lighter evenings

Sheffield South East Labour MP, Clive Betts, is backing a Bill to get the Government to look at the benefits of moving the clocks forward by one hour throughout the year.

The Daylight Saving Bill will receive its Third Reading in the House of Commons this Friday. The bill calls on the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting clocks forward an hour throughout the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year.

Clive Betts said: “The arguments in favour of clock change are very strong. This one simple low-cost policy could bring wide ranging benefits to the whole of the UK including saving lives on our roads, cutting the fear of crime on dark evenings, and create jobs in the leisure and tourism industries.”

Supporters argue that lighter evenings would save lives on our roads by making more of our busiest evening rush hours occur in daylight, create jobs by boosting the tourism sector, and make many people especially older people feel safer going out in the evenings for longer.

Lighter Later, the group coordinating the campaign for change, says support for the cause has never been stronger.

Daniel Vockins, campaign manager, said: “The Daylight Saving Bill is supported by over 90 national organisations from the AA to SAGA to the FA. On the year the Olympics come to Britain, this would be a brilliant legacy for our young athletes.”

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Betts challenges Minister to come clean on Council Tax Benefit plans - 17 February 2012
• Government adviser warns children's services cuts will increase health inequalities - 16 February 2012
• South Yorkshire, the Nation's heart charity needs you to show your red side - 16 February 2012