Neon’s Moment In The Commons

The Commons is rarely a forum for craft. Budgets, healthcare, international relations. On a spring evening this year, MPs were talking about light. Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, delivered a striking intervention. Her message was direct: real neon is both craft and culture. She contrasted it with cheap LED substitutes, noting they erase tradition. If it is not glass and gas, it is not neon. Chris McDonald added his support, positioning neon as regional creativity.

There was broad recognition. Data told the story. From hundreds, the number has fallen to a few dozen. The pipeline of skills has closed. Without action, the tradition could vanish. Qureshi proposed legal recognition, similar to Harris Tweed. Protect the name. From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose, adding an economic perspective. Forecasts predict $3.3bn market by 2031. His point: heritage and commerce can co-exist.

Closing remarks came from Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries. He played with glow metaphors, earning heckles. Yet beneath the levity, he recognised the seriousness. He recalled iconic glows: Piccadilly Circus billboards. He argued neon can outlast LEDs. Where lies the problem? The issue is clarity. LED products are marketed as neon. That erodes trust. Comparable to food and textile protections. If Scotch must come from Scotland, then signage should tell the truth.

This was about culture. Do we accept homogenised plastic across every street? We hold no doubt: glass and gas still matter. The Commons was illuminated. The Act is still to come. But the spotlight has been lit. If MPs can recognise craft, so can homeowners. Look past cheap imitations. Support artisans.


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