The numbers
The clocks will go forward by one hour at 1am on Sunday, March 29, 2026, marking the start of British Summer Time (BST). This annual change is designed to make better use of natural daylight during the spring and summer months, resulting in lighter evenings across the UK. However, it also means a loss of one hour of sleep for many as the clocks move forward from 1am to 2am.
British Summer Time will remain in effect until the clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday in October, when the UK reverts to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This seasonal adjustment has been a part of British life since the policy of Daylight Saving Time was first introduced on May 17, 1916, during World War I, as a measure to conserve fuel.
The concept of changing the clocks was initially proposed by builder William Willett in a pamphlet titled “The Waste of Daylight” in 1907. Willett’s idea aimed to encourage people to take advantage of the longer daylight hours available in the summer. The Summer Time Act was subsequently adopted during the First World War, and British Double Summer Time was even implemented during World War II, moving clocks forward two hours ahead of GMT to further maximize daylight usage.
As the years have passed, the debate over the necessity of changing the clocks has continued. A YouGov poll published in October 2024 revealed that 59% of Britons would prefer to stay permanently on British Summer Time if the current system were to be scrapped. This sentiment reflects a growing desire among the public for a more consistent timekeeping system that could eliminate the biannual clock changes.
Despite discussions in the European Parliament in 2019 about potentially ending seasonal clock changes, the reform has yet to be implemented. As the next clock change approaches, many are left wondering whether the current system will remain in place or if a permanent shift to British Summer Time will be adopted.
By June, London can expect up to 16 hours of daylight, a welcome change for many as the longer days provide opportunities for outdoor activities and social gatherings. However, the transition to BST also serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding timekeeping practices and their impact on daily life.
As the date approaches, observers will be keen to see if any new developments arise regarding the future of Daylight Saving Time in the UK. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming clock change, which will once again alter the rhythm of daily life for millions.