Daylight hours bill ticks on after victory in Commons

The campaign to move the UK's clocks forward by an hour cleared its first Commons hurdle yesterday despite fears that such a move would cause chaos in the north of Scotland.

The Daylight Saving Bill calls on ministers to conduct a full analysis of the likely benefits of moving in line with Central European Time.

Business minister Ed Davey said the change could not be made without consensus throughout the UK.

However, the legislation, introduced by Tory Rebecca Harris, was given a second reading by 92 votes to 10, and goes to its detailed committee stage.

Ms Harris said the bill could save up to 80 lives a year by giving Britain lighter evenings in the winter.

Opponents fear a later sunrise presents problems for farmers and outdoor workers, particularly in Scotland.