Will Brussels stop us from turning the clocks back?

NEW EU rules could ban the UK from changing its clocks in the autumn and spring, a report warns today.

Brussels is planning to end the practice of ‘daylight saving’ across the EU following claims it is unpopular. The move would mean EU countries choosing to adopt permanent summer or winter time, leaving Belfast potentially having to decide whether to align with the Republic or the rest of the UK, peers warned.

It is not due to come in until after Britain has left the EU, but a Lords committee report warns that the UK would have to adopt the change during the Brexit transition period.

Decisions beyond that would depend on the deal negotiated by Theresa May.

Peers accuse Brussels of overstepping the mark, saying the proposal ‘does not comply’ with the principle of ‘subsidiarity’, which requires the EU to allow matters to be devolved to member states where possible.