Parliament is not usually the stage for design debates. Policy, economics, foreign affairs. One late night in Westminster, the glow of signage took centre stage. Labour’s Yasmin Qureshi, delivered a striking intervention. Her message was uncompromising: hand-bent glass filled with noble gas is artistry. She criticised the flood of LED strips, saying they undermine public trust. Only gas-filled tubes deserve the title. Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, speaking of local artists.

There was broad recognition. 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. Ideas were floated for a protection act, like Cornish pasties. Protect the name. From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose, pointing to industry growth. Neon remains a growth sector. His point: authentic craft has future potential. The final word fell to Chris Bryant.

He played with glow metaphors, earning heckles. Yet beyond the humour, he acknowledged the case. He listed Britain’s neon landmarks: Walthamstow Stadium’s listed sign. He argued neon can outlast LEDs. What is at stake? The issue is clarity. LED products are marketed as neon. That erodes trust. It is no different to whisky or Champagne. If Champagne must be French, then craft deserves recognition. This was about identity. Do we trade individuality for convenience?

Our position is clear: real neon matters. The Commons was illuminated. The protection remains a proposal. But the campaign is alive. If Westminster can defend glow, so can we all. Skip LED pretenders. Choose neon.