What Permanent Summer Time Would Mean for Sunrise in London, Edinburgh and Belfast
The case for permanent summer time rests on lighter evenings, and the case against it on darker mornings. The numbers show how big the difference would be.
Sunrise at the winter solstice
London: sunrise at 08:03 and sunset at 15:53 on today's clocks (GMT), and sunrise at 09:03 and sunset at 16:53 under permanent GMT+1.
Belfast: sunrise at 08:44 and sunset at 15:59 on today's clocks (GMT), and sunrise at 09:44 and sunset at 16:59 under permanent GMT+1.
Edinburgh: sunrise at 08:41 and sunset at 15:39 on today's clocks (GMT), and sunrise at 09:41 and sunset at 16:39 under permanent GMT+1.
What the numbers mean
In Edinburgh, the sun would rise at about 09:40 in December, and in Belfast at about 09:45, so many children would walk to school in the dark. In London sunrise would be at about 08:55, much easier to live with.
In return the sun would set at about 16:40 in Edinburgh and 17:05 in Belfast, compared with about 15:40 and 16:05 on today's clocks. That is the main attraction of the change for people who finish work in the afternoon.
Who is for and against
Supporters, including some road-safety, energy and leisure groups, favour lighter evenings. Opponents include many farmers and groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland, because of the darker mornings.
The compromise often suggested is to keep the clocks changing, which gives the whole UK a version of both.
Frequently asked questions
What time would the sun rise in Edinburgh under permanent summer time?
Around 09:40 in mid-December, compared with around 08:40 on today's clocks.
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.