The clocks have changed: Why do we use British Summer Time – and do we still need to?

Antique clock seller Howard Walwyn goes through his shop in Kensington, London, changing the time on all the clocks
Antique clock seller Howard Walwyn goes through his shop in Kensington, London, changing the time on all the clocks Credit:  John Nguyen/JNVisuals

The nights are becoming lighter and although the recent snowfall may suggest otherwise, the temperature is very slowly starting to get warmer – which can only mean the clocks are changing.

But when and why do lose an hour each spring – and should we get rid of the practice altogether? Here is everything you need to know about springing forward.

When do  the clocks go forward?

Today, on Sunday, March 25, we moved to British Summer Time (BST) – at 1am, to be precise. The clock  moved forward (remember the Americanised mantra: spring forward, fall back).

What is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight saving time (DST), or summer time, is the practice of advancing clocks during summer months by one hour so...

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