House Of Commons Glow-Up: Why Westminster Finally Talked About Real Neon

When Parliament Finally Got Lit

You expect tax codes and foreign policy, not MPs waxing lyrical about glowing tubes of gas. But on a spring night in the Commons, Britain’s lawmakers did just that.

Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi rose to defend neon’s honour. Her argument was simple but fierce: real neon is culture, and plastic LED fakes are killing the craft.

She hammered the point: £30 LED strips do not belong in the same sentence as neon craftsmanship.

Backing her up was Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, who spoke of commissioning neon art in Teesside. For once, the benches agreed: neon is more than signage, it’s art.

Numbers told the story. Britain has just a few dozen neon artisans left. There are zero new apprentices. She pushed for law to protect the word "buy neon signs London" the way Harris Tweed is legally protected.

Even the DUP’s Jim Shannon joined in, armed with market forecasts, noting global neon growth at 7.5% a year. His point: there’s room for craft and commerce to thrive together.

Closing the debate, Chris Bryant had his say. He couldn’t resist the puns, earning laughter across the floor. But underneath the banter was a serious nod.

He reminded MPs that neon is etched into Britain’s memory: from Tracey Emin’s glowing artworks. He stressed neon lasts longer than LED when maintained.

Where’s the fight? The danger is real: retailers blur the lines by calling LED neon. That kills trust.

Think of it like whisky or champagne. If it’s not woven in the Hebrides, it’s not tweed.

The debate was more than just policy—it was culture vs copycat. Do we want every high street, every bedroom wall, every bar front to glow with the same plastic LED sameness?

We’re biased, but we’re right: authentic glow beats plastic glow every time.

So yes, Westminster talked neon. The outcome isn’t law yet, but the spotlight is on.

And if MPs can argue for real neon under the oak-panelled glare of the House, you can sure as hell hang one in your lounge, office, neon signs London or bar.

Skip the LED wannabes. When you want true glow—glass, gas, and craft—come to the source.

The fight for neon is on.