The numbers
The clocks will go forward by one hour on the last Sunday in March, specifically at 1am on March 29, 2026, marking the start of British Summer Time. This change is designed to make better use of natural daylight during the spring and summer months, resulting in lighter evenings across the UK.
As the clocks move forward from 1am to 2am, many will experience a loss of one hour of sleep. British Summer Time will remain in place until the clocks revert back one hour on the last Sunday in October, when the UK returns to Greenwich Mean Time.
The practice of changing the clocks was first introduced on May 17, 1916, during World War I, as a measure to conserve fuel. The concept was initially proposed by builder William Willett in a pamphlet titled “The Waste of Daylight” in 1907. Willett’s idea aimed to encourage the public to make better use of daylight, and it gained traction during the war as a way to save energy.
During World War II, the UK adopted British Double Summer Time, moving clocks forward two hours ahead of GMT to maximize daylight hours. This historical context highlights the ongoing relevance of time changes in relation to energy conservation and daylight usage.
Additionally, the European Parliament voted in 2019 in favor of ending seasonal clock changes, but the reform has yet to be implemented, leaving the future of Daylight Saving Time uncertain. As the clock change approaches, observers will be watching to see if any new developments arise regarding the potential for a permanent shift to British Summer Time.
Details remain unconfirmed.
