Why Parliament Debated The Glow

Parliament is not usually the stage for design debates. Budgets, healthcare, international relations. One late night in Westminster, the glow of signage took centre stage. Ms Qureshi, stood with conviction. Her message was uncompromising: authentic neon is cultural heritage. She warned against plastic imitations, arguing they dilute the name neon. Only gas-filled tubes deserve the title. Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, sharing his own commissioning of neon art in Teesside.

The benches responded warmly. Data told the story. From hundreds, the number has fallen to a few dozen. No apprentices follow. Without action, a century-old craft may die. The Commons considered safeguarding, like Cornish pasties. Preserve authenticity. Support also came from Jim Shannon, DUP, real neon signs online bringing a commercial lens. Neon remains a growth sector. His point: heritage and commerce can co-exist. Closing remarks came from Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries. He teased the chamber with jokes, lightening the mood.

Yet beneath the levity, he admitted neon’s value. He recalled iconic glows: Tracey Emin’s installations. He argued neon can outlast LEDs. What is at stake? The answer is authenticity. LED products are marketed as neon. That erodes trust. It is no different to whisky or Champagne. If Scotch must come from Scotland, then signage should tell the truth. This was about culture. Do we allow heritage skills to disappear? At Smithers, neon lights store the stance is firm: authentic glow endures. Westminster glowed for a night.

No law has passed yet. But the case is stronger than ever. If MPs can recognise craft, so can homeowners. Reject plastic strips. Choose neon.


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