Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has ignited a fierce debate over the traditional Christmas dinner after declaring that Yorkshire puddings have no place on the festive table. During an appearance on LBC Radio with host Nick Ferrari, Truss revealed that her husband, Hugh O'Leary, would be cooking the turkey this year, and when asked whether she would be handling the potatoes or Yorkshire puddings, she replied that she would do the potatoes but insisted: “There are no Yorkshires.”
Shaking her head, Truss stated: “I don't believe in that for Christmas Day.” When Ferrari, noting her Yorkshire background, expressed surprise, the former Conservative leader explained that she believes Yorkshire puddings should only accompany roast beef and not turkey, saying: “I don't believe it should go with turkey. I think that's wrong.” However, she did confirm that a glass of Buck's Fizz would be enjoyed early in the festivities.
Her comments have divided public opinion, with some branding them a “disgrace” while others sided with her. One listener wrote: “Sorry, Liz is correct. Yorkshire pudding only with beef, never with anything else.” Another added: “That's the most sensible thing I've ever heard her say. There should be no Yorkshire pudding with Christmas dinner. Nor cauliflower cheese!” The debate over whether Yorkshire puddings belong on a Christmas dinner plate has raged for years.
A recent YouGov poll found that just under half of Britons would include Yorkshire puddings at Christmas, rising to 68% among those having roast beef instead of turkey. Former royal butler Grant Harrold has previously said that King Charles and his family would be unlikely to serve Yorkshires at Sandringham, preferring turkey. However, Karl Green, head chef of award-winning gastropub The Unruly Pig in Suffolk, told the Mirror last year: “100% yes! There is no way I would have a Christmas dinner without Yorkshires.”
