The Commons is rarely a forum for craft. Tax and trade dominate the agenda. Yet in May 2025, the subject was neon. Ms Qureshi, stood with conviction. Her message was direct: authentic neon is cultural heritage. She contrasted it with cheap LED substitutes, noting they erase tradition. If it is not glass and gas, it is not neon. Chris McDonald added his support, speaking of local artists. Cross-party nodding followed.

Data told the story. Only 27 full-time neon benders remain in Britain. The pipeline of skills has closed. Without action, Britain could lose neon entirely. The Commons considered safeguarding, modelled on Champagne. Defend the craft. Support also came from Jim Shannon, DUP, bringing a commercial lens. Forecasts predict $3.3bn market by 2031. His point: authentic craft has future potential. Closing remarks came from Chris Bryant, neon lights store Minister for Creative Industries.

He played with glow metaphors, earning heckles. Yet beyond the humour, he acknowledged the case. He recalled iconic glows: the riot of God’s Own Junkyard. He emphasised longevity. Why the debate? The risk is confusion. LED products are marketed as neon. That erodes trust. Comparable to food and textile protections. If Harris Tweed must be Hebridean, real neon signs online then craft deserves recognition. This was about culture.

Do we accept homogenised plastic across every street? At Smithers, the stance is firm: glass and gas still matter. The Commons was illuminated. The protection remains a proposal. But the campaign is alive. If Parliament can value neon, so should you. Reject plastic strips. Keep the glow alive.