A proposal to keep clocks in the UK one hour ahead all year round will only go ahead if secures agreement in Scotland.

Ministers at Westminster are set to support proposals which would keep Britain in line with Central European Time for a three-year trial period.

The changes would mean lighter winter evenings, which supporters claim would cut road deaths, boost tourism and reduce energy use.

At the same time some people would experience darker mornings, something which politicians in the north of Scotland strongly oppose.

Critics claim the move would increase the dangers for many workers, particularly farmers, as well as families on the school run.

The clocks go back this Sunday at 2am when British Summer Time ends.

The coalition government said it would only go ahead with the proposed change if they win the backing of political leaders across the country.

Ministers are now writing to counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to seek a consensus on the trial.

The Daylight Savings Private Members Bill calls for a review of the potential costs and benefits of such a change and would need further legislation before any trial was launched.

Business Minister Edward Davey said: "This is an issue which affects everyone across the country so we cannot rush head first into this.

"As the prime minister has made clear we would need consensus from the devolved administrations if any change were to take place.

"We have therefore tabled amendments to the current bill to make sure that it addresses these concerns.

"It is only right that we at least look at what the potential economic and social benefits of any change might be.

"Lower road deaths, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and improved health have all been argued over the years as possible benefits.

"If there is strong evidence to support this then we should at least see what the possible benefits are."

The bill will still need the backing of MPs and peers by April next year to go ahead.

SNP MP Angus MacNeil dismissed the plans, arguing the move would hit everyone living north of Manchester.

He said: "It is no secret that Tories in the south want to leave Scotland in darkness, but fixing the clocks to British summertime would mean that dawn wouldn't break in Scotland until nearly 9am.

"That would have massive implications for the safety and wellbeing of everyone living north of Manchester.

"There are alternatives which would balance the interests of all who share these islands, including setting Daylight Savings Time closer to midwinter.

"It would be unacceptable if any move on this was made by Westminster without consultation with the devolved administrations."