A Brighton MP gave his backing to the Daylight Saving Bill in a debate in the House of Commons yesterday.
Simon Kirby, the Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown, said that an extra hour of daylight would boost tourism.
He said that this was help support 14,000 local jobs as eight million people visit Brighton and Hove each year, spending £750 million.
Mr Kirby also said that putting the clocks forward by an hour all-year round would save lives on the roads.
The move would bring Britain into line with Central European Time.
Sunrise and sunset would both be an hour later, leading to darker mornings and lighter evenings.
After the debate Mr Kirby said: “I was delighted to bring a Brighton perspective to the bill.
“Lighter evenings will have an important effect on the local economy and people’s enjoyment of the area.”
The bill would require the government to analyse the benefits of putting the clocks forward.
It passed the second reading stage in the Commons yesterday by 92 votes to 10 and will now be considered in detail by a committee of MPs.
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, and Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove, also voted for the bill.
Seems Simon Kirby isn’t the only Brighton MP pushing for it:
From Caroline Lucas’ twitter:
“Debating private members bill on Daylight Saving – for once, no filibustering & chance it might get thro!”
https://twitter.com/#!/CarolineLucas/status/10640290717110272
“Which would be good news for road safety, energy saving and tourism jobs – as well as just being nicer :)”
https://twitter.com/#!/CarolineLucas/status/10640606917296128