WE would fully support moves to create a so-called “double summertime” and extend evening daylight hours in the UK.

Under the scheme, the country would come into line with most of the rest of Europe by switching the clocks forward an hour from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the winter and then putting them a further hour forward in the summer.

This would mean an extra hour of daylight in the evening.

There are a lot of advantages to switching. Between 1968 and 1971 when there was British Standard Time, the number of accidents on our roads fell dramatically.

According to the latest report to MPs, allowing an extra 235 hours of daylight after work every year would result in 100 fewer deaths from road crashes.

It is also estimated the NHS would save £200 million a year for the because of fewer accidents.

Then there is the boost to tourism. Experts believe the UK gaining a reputation for longer evenings in the summer could boost the economy by a staggering £3.5 billion.

There are also added benefits with a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as people leave lights and heating off for longer.

But the scheme has already drawn criticism, notably from Scottish farmers, who have always been against the idea, claiming dark mornings have a negative effect on rural communities.

However, we believe they are in the minority.

The arguments for a switch are overwhelming and we don’t believe a small group saying no to it should prevent it.

What is needed now is for a full and frank discussion on the pros and cons and let people make up their own minds.

But from what we have seen so far, there is very little to lose from going ahead with this plan.