Business of the House

Alex Mayer Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

What a contrast—from celebrations after the local derby last Sunday, to the approaching dark cloud of the arrival of the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage). I thank my hon. Friend for raising concerns on behalf of his community. We are responding to the crisis in the middle east with the calm, level-headed leadership that the situation demands. We are entirely focused on our national interests. That is in stark contrast to Reform, which does not know, from one day to the next, what the national interest actually looks like. I know that the good people of Sunderland have a strong sense of community, and the good sense to reject policies of division.

[Alex Mayer (Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard) (Lab)]

The clocks change this weekend, and at a stroke we will have light in the evenings. We could have light at evenings all year round if we adopted Churchill time; it would also cut bills, reduce road traffic accidents and boost the hospitality industry. Given that this is a cross-departmental issue, how can I best get traction on this, so that we can be the Labour Government who really light up everybody’s lives?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for her question, but I am afraid I have to disappoint her. The Government believe that the current daylight saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the UK, so there are no plans to introduce double summer time or any such changes.