Only 27 Neon Craftsmen Left in Britain — Parliament Can’t Ignore This

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If you think neon signs are relics of the past, think again — Parliament discussed them, Reddit exploded, and the outcome matters for British craft.

MP Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South and custom LED neon sign Walkden) led an Adjournment Debate on May 6, 2025, neon sign shop raising the alarm for a dying craft — fewer than 27 full‑time neon glass benders remain in the UK. :contentReference[oaicite:1]index=1

Speakers from the All‑Party Parliamentary Group on Craft emphasised that if it’s not made from bent glass and vintage neon sign gas, it isn’t truly a neon sign—and customers are being misled. :contentReference[oaicite:2]index=2

The Minister for Culture, Media & Sport agreed clarity was needed, acknowledging that the term “neon” should have legal definition—but gave no timeline for action. :contentReference[oaicite:3]index=3

Meanwhile, Reddit users were posting links to the debate transcript, sharing clips, and debating the economics and cultural importance of neon vs LED. :contentReference[oaicite:4]index=4

Losing neon isn’t just losing light — it’s losing our visual language, creative identity, and rare skilled jobs scattered in towns like Bolton and Teesside. :contentReference[oaicite:5]index=5

The campaigners, backed by the Heritage Crafts Association and the British Sign & Graphics Association, want official recognition—and public support—for neon artisans. :contentReference[oaicite:6]index=6

If you’re sick of LED landfill masquerading as neon, the real conversation is happening in comment sections and parliamentary transcripts.

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