Let there be light (in the evening)

The clocks go forward this weekend. That is my annual cue to talk about what a marvellous thing British Summer Time is. This year, however, following a disagreement I had with Peter Hitchens in October (see below) and on the centenary of BST, I will making my case at the IEA where we hope to settle the issue once and for all. Tickets are free. If you are also free, come and join us.

Discussion: Rage, rage against the dying of the light

In 1916, the clocks went forward by one hour and the tradition of British Summer Time (BST) began. Introduced as a war-time measure to increase economic productivity and reduce energy consumption, the issue still provokes controversy 100 years later.

On the centenary of daylight saving time, join us at the IEA to debate the motion: 'British Summer Time should be scrapped'.

Speaking for the motion we are pleased to welcome back the Mail on Sunday's Peter Hitchens who describes BST as "fanatical and dictatorial" and says the system amounts to "lying about the time". Opposing the motion will be the IEA's head of lifestyle economics, Christopher Snowdon, who describes BST as "glorious" and wants it to be rolled out across the year.

RSVP via email or on 0207 799 8900.

Peter Hitchens examines our mad habit of making the clocks lie every spring: http://t.co/tX34kwUW8v

— Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) March 27, 2015

@cjsnowdon Mr Snowdon(why is this no surprise to me?) is a late riser, and I am an early riser. That's our choice, and....

— Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) October 24, 2015

@clarkemicah Because lots of people are asleep at 6am but everybody is awake at 5pm.

— Christopher Snowdon (@cjsnowdon) October 24, 2015

@clarkemicah If you had your way, the sun would rise at 3.40am in June and set at 8.20pm. Is that really what you want?

— Christopher Snowdon (@cjsnowdon) October 24, 2015

.@cjsnowdon Trotsky could have said that, and may well have done so. Your real inspiration, if you did but know it.

— Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) October 24, 2015

@clarkemicah The only people who will up to appreciate a 3.40am sunrise are those who are on drugs. You are doing their bidding :)

— Christopher Snowdon (@cjsnowdon) October 24, 2015

.@cjsnowdon But may I quote you on your comical claim that there is no objective time?

— Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) October 24, 2015

@cjsnowdon Just you be sure to acknowledge it on that distant day when I bring it up against you. Or you can back out now.

— Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) October 24, 2015

.@cjsnowdon No, you're the one that will be late, having stayed in bed.

— Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) October 24, 2015

Et cetera...