Authenticity Vs LED: A Westminster Story

The Commons is rarely a forum for craft. Policy, neon lights for sale economics, foreign affairs. On a spring evening this year, the subject was neon. Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, brought heritage into the chamber. Her message was direct: real neon is both craft and culture. She contrasted it with cheap LED substitutes, noting they erase tradition. Only gas-filled tubes deserve the title. Another Labour voice joined, speaking of local artists. Cross-party nodding followed.

Statistics gave weight to the passion. Only 27 full-time neon benders remain in Britain. The pipeline of skills has closed. Without action, the tradition could vanish. Qureshi proposed legal recognition, modelled on Champagne. Preserve authenticity. Support also came from Jim Shannon, DUP, pointing to industry growth. Reports show 7.5% annual growth. His point: authentic craft has future potential.

Closing remarks came from Chris Bryant, Minister for best neon signs Creative Industries. He played with glow metaphors, earning heckles. Yet after the laughter, he recognised the seriousness. He recalled iconic glows: Tracey Emin’s installations. He suggested neon is unfairly judged on eco terms. Why the debate? The issue is clarity. LED products are marketed as neon. That erodes trust. It is no different to whisky or Champagne. If Harris Tweed must be Hebridean, then neon should mean glass and gas.

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 Westminster can defend glow, so can we all. Reject plastic strips. Keep the glow alive.


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