Clocks are going back but Bedfordshire MP is pushing for longer summer time

The suggestions were already adopted as an energy-saving measure during the First and Second World Wars.

It was named “Churchill Time” after Winston Churchill, who introduced the idea during World War II.

In a letter to the Secretary for Business and Skills, Ms Mayer said given the current climate emergency, a return to “Churchill Time” was an ideal way to cut energy consumption – and bills – again.

She said it would also mean people could spend more time outdoors on autumn evenings and it would give the hospitality and retail sectors a much-needed boost.

The MP said studies had shown that the number of road accidents increased by 19% in the two weeks immediately following the time change in October as more people drove home in the dark, so a switch to lighter evenings would also reduce the number of accidents and could reduce the burden on the NHS.

Mayer said: “During World War II we maximized daylight hours to conserve vital energy resources.

“Today there is another crisis and in this time of climate crisis it is time to think about making the most of our natural daylight.”