How Neon Signs Took Over The Commons

Few times in history have we heard the words neon sign echo inside the House of Parliament. We expect dull legislation and economic chatter, not politicians debating signage. But on a unexpected Commons session, Britain’s lawmakers did just that. Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden delivered a passionate case for neon. Her speech was fierce: gas-filled glass is culture, and neon lights mass-produced fakes are flooding the market. She hammered the point: only gas-filled glass tubes qualify as neon.

Chris McDonald backed her with his own support. The mood was electric—pun intended. The numbers hit home. From hundreds of artisans, barely two dozen survive. The next generation isn’t coming. Qureshi called for a Neon Protection Act. Even DUP MP Jim Shannon weighed in. He brought the numbers, saying neon is growing at 7.5% a year. His point was blunt: heritage can earn money. Bryant had the final say. He couldn’t resist glowing wordplay, drawing groans from the benches.

But beneath the jokes was recognition. He cited neon’s cultural footprint: Tracey Emin artworks. He argued glass and gas beat plastic strips. Where’s the problem? Because fake LED "neon" floods the market. That wipes out heritage. Think Scotch whisky. If tweed is legally defined, then neon deserves truth in labelling. The glow was cultural, not procedural. Do we want every wall to glow with the same plastic sameness?

We’re biased but right: gas and glass win every time. Parliament had its glow-up. The Act is only an idea, but the fight has begun. If they can debate glow in Westminster, you can light up your bar. Skip the fakes. Bring the authentic glow.


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