The Cultural Case For Neon
British MPs seldom discuss aesthetics. Budgets, healthcare, international relations. On a spring evening this year, MPs were talking about light. Ms Qureshi, stood with conviction. Her message was clear: real neon is both craft and culture. She criticised the flood of LED strips, saying they undermine public trust. Only gas-filled tubes deserve the title. Another Labour voice joined, speaking of local artists.
The benches responded warmly. Data told the story. The UK now counts fewer than thirty artisans. No apprentices follow. Without action, the tradition could vanish. Qureshi proposed legal recognition, like Cornish pasties. Preserve authenticity. From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose, pointing to industry growth. Reports show 7.5% annual growth. His point: heritage and commerce can co-exist. The final word fell to Chris Bryant.
He teased the chamber with jokes, earning heckles. Yet beyond the humour, he acknowledged the case. He listed Britain’s neon landmarks: Walthamstow Stadium’s listed sign. He emphasised longevity. Why the debate? The risk is confusion. LED products are marketed as neon. That diminishes value. It is no different to whisky or Champagne. If Scotch must come from Scotland, then neon should mean glass and best real neon signs gas. This was about culture.
Do we allow heritage skills to disappear? At Smithers, the stance is firm: authentic glow endures. Westminster glowed for a night. The protection remains a proposal. But the campaign is alive. If MPs can recognise craft, so can homeowners. Skip LED pretenders. Support artisans.
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