Published: January 26, 2012
Burnham-On-Sea's MP hits out at parliamentary 'spoiling tactics'

Burnham-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt has this week hit out at the 'spoiling tactics' of a group of MPs who caused a parliamentary bill to fail which was proposing the UK's clocks move forward by one hour.

The Daylight Saving Bill, which received its third reading in the House of Commons, called on the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting the clocks forward by an hour across the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year.

Tessa, who backed the proposals, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Talking until the time allowed to debate a Bill runs out - known as 'filibustering' - is what a few Conservative and SNP MPs have done here. It is one of the things which affects the public's view of Parliament and politicians' reputations."

"There were many worthwhile Bills in the queue for debate - including my own 'Protection of Landscapes Bill' to make organisations like National Grid listen to the voices of local people - which are all now delayed further."

"To 'talk out' Bills in this way is not only bad for the 'Lighter Later' and the 'Pylon the Pressure' campaigns, but is a poor use of precious parliamentary debating time. About 140 MPs gave up a day in their constituencies to stay in London to vote for changes."

"I believe there should be set times for speeches, a limit of two or three hours for each debate and then a vote; if the support is there then the Bill goes through, if not then it doesn't."

She added: "The arguments in favour of clock change are compelling. This one simple, low-cost policy could bring wide-ranging benefits to Somerset, including saving lives on our roads, creating many jobs in the tourism sector, reducing the fear of crime on dark evenings and, importantly, saving energy."

"Supporters argue that lighter evenings across the whole of the UK would save lives on our roads by ensuring more of our busiest evening rush hours occur in daylight, create jobs by boosting the tourism sector, and make many, especially older people, feel safer going out in the evenings for longer. The Daylight Saving Bill is supported by over 90 national organisations from the AA, SAGA and the FA - all backing lighter evenings."

"Whether the Daylight Saving Bill will progress now depends on discussions with the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly to assess their members' objections."