Labour and Tories team up to have food declared British national dish

A staple dish that’s rooted in British culinary culture and has long been a firm favourite on dining tables across the country. In fact pies are so loved they are now even bridging a gaping political divide with key Labour and supporting the hopes of a North Yorkshire man to have the food declared as a UK national dish.

James Sturdy, the founder of , enlisted the help of the former Prime Minister, and current Richmond MP , who supported the move by contacting Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who has agreed that pies can be nominated for a UK shortlist to be submitted to UNESCO. They’re hoping pies will be included on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage – a list of the world’s most important traditions and skills that are passed down through generations which is intended to protect the traditions from disappearing.

Each year countries from around the world nominate one item they’d like to be considered for inclusion. Previous examples from other countries which are featured in the list include Belgian beer, the French baguette and Neapolitan pizza.

The humble pie is an iconic part of British cuisine – with shepherd’s pie, steak and kidney pie or steak and ale being among the most popular.

Mr Sturdy said: “Pies have a long and fascinating history within British Culture. Baked into our culinary DNA, they have fed everyone from the working class to aristocracy over many centuries.”

He added: “British pies reflect not just the national cuisine, but also regional speciality, with many areas of the UK having created their own unique pies.

“It’s important to preserve our heritage and, as a fundamental part of that, we believe the Great British pie should officially be put forward as one of our national dishes and recognised on the global stage.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has now invited Yorkshire Handmade Pies to put forward its nomination and will be added to the UK’s inventory for consideration.

Mr Sturdy said: “Every year, during the first week of March, we celebrate this iconic British food. So, I am hoping pie lovers from across the country will join us in our bid to see the pie recognised as a national dish of Britain.”

The campaign coincides with British Pie Week, running from March 3 to March 9 2025.

The week-long campaign looks to celebrate all things pie-related and includes the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray – Britain’s Pie capital.