Few times in history have we heard the words neon sign echo inside the hallowed halls of Westminster. 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 pitch was sharp: authentic neon is heritage, and mass-produced fakes are flooding the market.
She reminded the chamber: only gas-filled glass tubes qualify as buy neon signs London.
Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North telling MPs about neon art in Teesside. Even the sceptics were glowing.
The stats sealed the case. Only 27 full-time neon benders remain in the UK. No apprentices are being trained. Qureshi called for a Neon Protection Act.
From Strangford, Jim Shannon rose. He brought the numbers, saying neon is growing at 7.5% a year. His point was blunt: this isn’t nostalgia, custom neon signs outdoor it’s business.
The government’s Chris Bryant wrapped up. He couldn’t resist glowing wordplay, drawing groans from the benches. But beneath the jokes was recognition.
He listed neon’s legacy: Tracey Emin artworks. He said neon’s eco record is unfairly maligned.
So why the debate? Because retailers blur the terms. That kills the craft.
Think Scotch whisky. If labels are protected in food, signs should be no different.
It wasn’t bureaucracy, it was identity. Do we want every wall to glow with the same plastic sameness?
At Smithers, we’re clear: real neon matters.
Parliament had its glow-up. The Act is only an idea, but the case has been made.
If MPs can defend neon in Parliament, you can hang it in your lounge.
Skip the fakes. Choose real neon.