What time do the clocks go forward? Why is this done?

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In the UK, daylight savings time was officially introduced following the The Summer Time Act 1916. The law followed a campaign by builder William Willett - the grandfather of Coldplay singer Chris Martin - who was a lifelong advocate for Daylight Savings Time. “Everyone laments their shrinkage as the days grow shorter, and nearly everyone has given utterance to a regret that the clear bright light of early mornings, during spring and summer months, is so seldom seen or used.” However, the need for increased labour during the First World War is thought to be the main reason the government entered DST into legislation. However, supporters of daylight savings time point out heart attacks are generally more prevalent in winter and spring.