Steve Brine has spoken of his disappointment after a Bill introduced to bring more light into our lives stalled in the Commons on Friday 20th January.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP had rearranged a packed local diary in order to attend the next Commons stage of Conservative MP Rebecca Harris' Daylight Saving Bill, which would have moved the UK's clocks forward by an hour for a three-year trial period.
The Bill, also known by the campaign name 'Lighter Later' was backed by a large number of MPs, and Steve received hundreds of representations from across Winchester & Chandler's Ford asking him to back the trial.
Speaking on his way back to a delayed surgery, Steve said: "I am frustrated having been in the Commons today and seeing some delaying tactics held simply to block what the majority of MPs present were in favour of.
"It is with disappointment that I can now see that progress through the Commons will now be difficult."
The Bill had the backing of organisations such as the AA and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, who highlighted evidence that road deaths and injuries would decrease over the course of the trial. There were also sporting associations such the FA in favour, as health and fitness levels would rise with more people taking exercise in the lighter evenings.
There was also support from business, and Dragons' Den star Deberah Meaden was one of many to back 'Lighter Later'.
Steve added: "A number of my constituents are going to share my disappointment about this, including traders, those with conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder and just regular people who want to live more of their life in the light."
Pictured; Steve with Rebecca Harris MP, who brought the Bill to Parliament
More information...
You can see an update on the campaign at www.lighterlater.org.