The Night Westminster Glowed Neon

Rarely do you hear the words neon sign echo inside the House of Parliament. You expect tax codes and foreign policy, not politicians debating signage. But on a late evening in May 2025, Britain’s lawmakers did just that. Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden delivered a passionate case for neon. Her speech was fierce: neon bending is an art form, and plastic pretenders are killing the craft. She reminded the chamber: if it isn’t glass bent by hand and filled with noble gas, it isn’t neon.

Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North sharing his own neon commission. The benches nodded across parties. The numbers hit home. Only 27 full-time neon benders remain in the UK. The craft risks extinction. Qureshi called for a Neon Protection Act. From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose. He quoted growth stats, saying the global neon market could hit $3.3bn by 2031. Translation: this isn’t nostalgia, it’s business.

Closing was Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries. He opened with a neon gag, drawing groans from the benches. But beneath the jokes was recognition. He reminded MPs of Britain’s glow: Tracey Emin artworks. He said neon’s eco record is unfairly maligned. Where’s the problem? Because consumers are duped daily. That kills the craft. Think Scotch whisky. If champagne must come from France, signs should be no different.

The night was more than politics. Do we trade heritage for LED strips? We’re biased but right: plastic impostors don’t cut it. The Commons went neon. The Act is only an idea, but the glow is alive. If they can debate glow in Westminster, you can light up your bar. Ditch the pretenders. Bring the authentic glow.


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