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 MPs waxing lyrical about glowing tubes of gas. But on a late evening in May 2025, Britain’s lawmakers did just that. Labour’s Yasmin Qureshi delivered a passionate case for neon. Her speech was fierce: authentic neon is heritage, and plastic pretenders are killing the craft. She reminded the chamber: if it isn’t glass bent by hand and filled with noble gas, it isn’t neon.

Chris McDonald backed her with his own support. The mood was electric—pun intended. The numbers hit home. Only 27 full-time neon benders remain in the UK. The next generation isn’t coming. Qureshi called for a Neon Protection Act. From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose. He quoted growth stats, saying neon is growing at 7.5% a year. His message was simple: heritage can earn money. Closing was Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries.

He couldn’t resist glowing wordplay, drawing groans from the benches. But the government was listening. He listed neon’s legacy: Tracey Emin artworks. He said neon’s eco record is unfairly maligned. So why the debate? Because consumers are duped daily. That wipes out heritage. Think Cornish pasties. If tweed is legally defined, then neon deserves truth in labelling. The glow was cultural, not procedural. Do we let a century-old craft vanish?

We’re biased but right: gas and glass win every time. Parliament had its glow-up. It’s still early days, but the glow is alive. If it belongs in the Commons, it belongs in your home. Bin the LED strips. Choose real neon.