The Commons is rarely a forum for craft. Policy, economics, foreign affairs. On a spring evening this year, the subject was neon. Labour’s Yasmin Qureshi, delivered a striking intervention. Her message was direct: hand-bent glass filled with noble gas is artistry. She contrasted it with cheap LED substitutes, saying they undermine public trust. If it is not glass and gas, it is not neon. Chris McDonald added his support, speaking of local artists. There was broad recognition.

Numbers framed the urgency. 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, similar to Harris Tweed. Defend the craft. Support also came from Jim Shannon, DUP, adding an economic perspective. Forecasts predict $3.3bn market by 2031. His point: this is not nostalgia but business. Chris Bryant concluded the session. He allowed himself puns, drawing laughter.

Yet beneath the levity, he admitted neon’s value. He cited neon’s cultural impact: buy neon lights Walthamstow Stadium’s listed sign. He argued neon can outlast LEDs. What is at stake? The issue is clarity. Consumers are misled. That erodes trust. Comparable to food and textile protections. If Scotch must come from Scotland, then craft deserves recognition. This was about identity. Do we trade individuality for convenience? At Smithers, the stance is firm: authentic glow endures.

The Commons was illuminated. No law has passed yet. But the campaign is alive. If Parliament can value neon, so should you. Reject plastic strips. Support artisans.