Reasoned opinion on discontinuing seasonal changes of time recommended by Committee

22 Oct 2018 03:13 PM

The EU Internal Market Sub-Committee today publishes a report recommending the House of Lords issues a Reasoned opinion objecting, on subsidiarity grounds, to the European Commission's proposed Directive discontinuing seasonal changes of time.

Background

The European Commission has proposed a Directive to end seasonal clock changes in the EU in 2019. Member States would be required to choose to apply 'permanent summer-time' or 'permanent winter-time'. Should the UK and EU reach an agreement according to the terms of the draft Withdrawal Agreement, the UK would be required to implement the proposed Directive during the transition period.

The Sub-Committee's report raises subsidiarity concerns in relation to:

Chairman's quote

Chair of the EU Internal Market Sub-Committee, Lord Whitty, said:

"The European Commission's proposal to end seasonal time changes goes beyond its remit and is not in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity. We are therefore recommending that the House of Lords issues a reasoned opinion. The report will be debated on Wednesday."

Further information