The Commons is rarely a forum for craft. Budgets, healthcare, international relations. One late night in Westminster, the glow of signage took centre stage. Labour’s Yasmin Qureshi, brought heritage into the chamber. Her message was clear: real neon is both craft and culture. She criticised the flood of LED strips, noting they erase tradition. Marketing should not blur the definition. Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, positioning neon as regional creativity.

The benches responded warmly. Data told the story. From hundreds, the number has fallen to a few dozen. No apprentices follow. Without action, Britain could lose neon entirely. Ideas were floated for a protection act, modelled on Champagne. Preserve authenticity. Support also came from Jim Shannon, DUP, pointing to industry growth. Reports show 7.5% annual growth. His point: authentic craft has future potential. Closing remarks came from Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries.

He allowed himself puns, earning heckles. Yet after the laughter, he recognised the seriousness. He recalled iconic glows: Tracey Emin’s installations. He argued neon can outlast LEDs. What is at stake? The answer is authenticity. Consumers are misled. That diminishes value. Comparable to food and textile protections. If Harris Tweed must be Hebridean, then signage should tell the truth. This was about culture.

Do we allow heritage skills to disappear? At Smithers, the stance is firm: real neon matters. The Commons was illuminated. The Act is still to come. But the case is stronger than ever. If Parliament can value neon, so should you. Look past cheap imitations. Choose neon.