British MPs seldom discuss aesthetics. Policy, economics, foreign affairs. On a spring evening this year, MPs were talking about light. Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, brought heritage into the chamber. Her message was uncompromising: authentic neon is cultural heritage. She criticised the flood of LED strips, arguing they dilute the name neon. Marketing should not blur the definition. Another Labour voice joined, positioning neon as regional creativity.

Cross-party nodding followed. Statistics gave weight to the passion. The UK now counts fewer than thirty artisans. No apprentices follow. Without action, Britain could lose neon entirely. Qureshi proposed legal recognition, modelled on Champagne. Defend the craft. Support also came from Jim Shannon, DUP, adding an economic perspective. Reports show 7.5% annual growth. His point: this is not nostalgia but business. Chris Bryant concluded the session. He played with glow metaphors, earning heckles.

Yet beyond the humour, he recognised the seriousness. He cited neon’s cultural impact: Walthamstow Stadium’s listed sign. He emphasised longevity. Why the debate? The issue is clarity. Craft is undermined. That threatens heritage. Comparable to food and textile protections. If Scotch must come from Scotland, then signage should tell the truth. This was about culture. Do we accept homogenised plastic across every street? Our position is clear: authentic glow endures.

The Commons was illuminated. No law has passed yet. But the case is stronger than ever. If MPs can recognise craft, so can homeowners. Reject plastic strips. Keep the glow alive.