Britain’s Glow Problem: MPs Debate Wireless Interference

1939’s Strange Vivid Neon London vs Wireless Battle

It might seem almost comic now: in the shadow of looming global conflict, MPs in Westminster were arguing about neon signs.

Labour firebrand Gallacher, rose to challenge the government. Were neon installations scrambling the airwaves?

The figure was no joke: roughly one thousand cases logged in a single year.

Imagine it: the soundtrack of Britain in 1938, interrupted not by enemy bombers but by shopfront glow.

The Minister in charge didn’t deny it. But here’s the rub: shopkeepers could volunteer to add suppression devices, but they couldn’t be forced.

He spoke of a possible new Wireless Telegraphy Bill, but admitted consultations would take "some time".

Translation? Parliament was stalling.

The MP wasn’t satisfied. He pushed for urgency: speed it up, Minister, people want results.

Mr. Poole piled in too. Wasn’t the state itself one of the worst offenders?

Tryon deflected, saying yes, cables were part of the mess, which only complicated things further.

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Seen through modern eyes, it’s heritage comedy with a lesson. Back then, neon was the tech menace keeping people up at night.

Eighty years on, the irony bites: LED neon signs London the menace of 1939 is now the endangered beauty of 2025.

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Why does it matter?

First: neon has always rattled cages. It’s always pitted artisans against technology.

Now it’s dismissed as retro fluff.

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The Smithers View. We see the glow that wouldn’t be ignored.

Call it quaint, call it heritage, but it’s a reminder. And it still does.

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Forget the fake LED strips. Authentic glow has history on its side.

If neon could shake Westminster before the war, it can certainly shake your walls now.

Choose the real thing.

We make it.

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