Clocks Go Forward: Key Dates and Historical Context

The numbers

The clocks will go forward by one hour on March 29, 2026, at 1am, marking the start of British Summer Time (BST). This annual adjustment is designed to make better use of natural daylight during the spring and summer months, resulting in lighter evenings across the UK.

When the clocks move forward from 1am to 2am, it will result in a loss of one hour of sleep for many. British Summer Time will remain in effect until the clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday in October, a change that has been a part of the UK’s timekeeping system since its introduction.

The policy of Daylight Saving Time was first implemented on May 17, 1916, during World War I, as a measure to conserve fuel. The idea was originally proposed by builder William Willett in a pamphlet titled “The Waste of Daylight” in 1907. Willett’s vision was to shift the clocks forward to make better use of daylight, a concept that gained traction during wartime.

During World War II, the UK adopted British Double Summer Time, moving clocks forward by two hours ahead of GMT. This historical context highlights the ongoing evolution of timekeeping practices in response to societal needs.

In a YouGov poll published in October 2024, 59% of Britons expressed a preference for remaining permanently on British Summer Time if the current system were to be scrapped. This sentiment reflects a growing desire for a more consistent approach to timekeeping, as many people appreciate the benefits of longer daylight hours.

Despite discussions around the potential for reform, the European Parliament voted in 2019 in favor of ending seasonal clock changes; however, this reform has yet to be implemented. Observers continue to monitor the situation as public opinion shifts and the debate over the necessity of seasonal time changes persists.

As the clocks go forward in 2026, many will welcome the arrival of longer days and warmer evenings, with expectations of enjoying up to 16 hours of daylight in London by June. However, the debate surrounding the future of Daylight Saving Time remains unresolved, with details on any potential changes still unconfirmed.