When do the clocks go forward in the UK – and why do they change?

British summer time officially starts at 1am on Sunday 28 March, when we all lose an hour of sleep but gain sunlight

It is time once again to try to work out which of your electronic gadgets automatically adjust for clock changes, and which do not. British summer time (BST) officially starts at 1am on Sunday 28 March, when the clocks go forward an hour to 2am. The clocks on ovens and cars can generally just be ignored - they will be correct again in six months' time.

It does mean we lose an hour's sleep, although if you are in a house with small children and/or animals, you will know that your waking hours are governed much more by when they need attention rather than what it says on your clock.