Rarely do you hear the words neon sign echo inside the hallowed halls of Westminster. You expect tax codes and foreign policy, not politicians debating signage. But on a spring night after 10pm, Britain’s lawmakers did just that. the formidable Ms Qureshi stood tall to back neon craftsmen. Her pitch was sharp: neon bending is an art form, and mass-produced fakes are flooding the market. She reminded the chamber: only gas-filled glass tubes qualify as neon. Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North sharing his own neon commission.

The benches nodded across parties. Facts carried the weight. From hundreds of artisans, barely two dozen survive. No apprentices are being trained. Ideas for certification marks were floated. From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose. He brought the numbers, saying the industry has serious value. His point was blunt: heritage can earn money. The government’s Chris Bryant wrapped up. He couldn’t resist glowing wordplay, getting teased by Madam Deputy Speaker. But beneath the jokes was recognition.

He cited neon’s cultural footprint: Tracey Emin artworks. He said neon’s eco record is unfairly maligned. Where’s the problem? Because fake LED "neon" floods the market. That kills the craft. Think Champagne. If champagne must come from France, signs should be no different. It wasn’t bureaucracy, it was identity. Do we trade heritage for LED strips? At Smithers, we’re clear: gas and glass win every time. The Commons went neon. The Act is only an idea, but the fight has begun.

If they can debate glow in Westminster, you can light up your bar. Ditch the pretenders. Support the craft.