Call to put clocks forward and boost nation's health

Doctors are calling for the clocks to be put forward to increase the number of hours of daylight in both summer and winter months to improve public health.

The British Medical Conference will today hear that moving the UK into the Central European Time Zone would help prevent road accidents and reduce childhood obesity by encouraging children to play outdoors more.

But the Scottish Government has opposed any change to the clocks, citing darker mornings increasing the risks for children going to school in the dark.

A bill is already progressing through parliament which calls for the issue to be looked at, suggesting the system could be piloted in three years. Supporters have said the move could reduce road deaths and boost tourism.

But there has been opposition from Scotland, where some places would not see daylight until 10am in winter.