Authenticity Vs LED: A Westminster Story
British MPs seldom discuss aesthetics. Policy, economics, foreign affairs. Yet in May 2025, the subject was neon. Ms Qureshi, brought heritage into the chamber. Her message was clear: hand-bent glass filled with noble gas is artistry. She warned against plastic imitations, saying they undermine public trust. Marketing should not blur the definition. Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, sharing his own commissioning of neon art in Teesside.
The benches responded warmly. Data told the story. Only 27 full-time neon benders remain in Britain. The pipeline of skills has closed. Without action, a century-old craft may die. Qureshi proposed legal recognition, similar to Harris Tweed. Protect the name. From Strangford, buy neon lights Jim Shannon rose, bringing a commercial lens. Reports show 7.5% annual growth. His point: heritage and commerce can co-exist. The final word fell to Chris Bryant.
He played with glow metaphors, lightening the mood. Yet after the laughter, he admitted neon’s value. He listed Britain’s neon landmarks: Walthamstow Stadium’s listed sign. He argued neon can outlast LEDs. Where lies the problem? The issue is clarity. Craft is undermined. That diminishes value. It is no different to whisky or Champagne. If Champagne must be French, then signage should tell the truth. This was about identity.
Do we trade individuality for convenience? We hold no doubt: glass and gas still matter. The Commons was illuminated. No law has passed yet. But the campaign is alive. If Parliament can value neon, so should you. Look past cheap imitations. Keep the glow alive.
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