Yorkshire Puddings Rise: The Great Yorkshire Independence of 2023

Remember when we had that vote? You know, the vote that decoupled us from free movement and living around Europe, that vote that pitted families against one another, that vote that said we’ve be billions better off and that we’d be the new shining light of business investment utopia? That vote that made outlandish claims, threats and predictions on both sides, yes that’s right, that one, well do you remember one of the sides claiming it was the start of devolution maxima? The start of the dissolution of the United Kingdom right down to county level? That claim still has legs, but it was a part of that claim that got us thinking, what if the counties did start to secede from the Union?

Yorkshire actually has an independence movement believe it or not, we’ve imagined how that would play out.

The People's Republic of Yorkshire

Yorkshire, a county long famed for its rolling hills, cricket prowess, and, most importantly, its eponymous puddings, has finally broken free of its British moorings. In an astonishing turn of events, Yorkshire has declared its independence from the United Kingdom, creating the world's newest nation - the People's Republic of Yorkshire (PRY).

The journey to independence began when a group of passionate Yorkie freedom fighters known as the 'Flat Cap Rebellion' took to the streets of Leeds, Sheffield, and York armed with cricket bats, Yorkshire Tea, and a fierce determination. As the rallying cry of "Ey up!" echoed throughout the land, it became clear that the wheels of revolution were in motion.

The movement gained steam when Geoff Boycott, the legendary Yorkshire cricketer, was appointed as the PRY's first Prime Minister. Boycott, known for his no-nonsense approach and gritty determination, brought a sense of unity and purpose to the fledgling nation.

In an unprecedented move, the United Nations (UN) has already recognized the PRY as a sovereign state, no doubt swayed by the nation's unrelenting commitment to supplying the world with top-quality tea and pudding. Boycott addressed the UN General Assembly, proudly stating, "We may be a small nation, but we pack a punch harder than me cricket bat!"

The PRY has wasted no time in establishing its new identity, with a flag bearing a white rose on a field of Yorkshire blue. The national anthem, "On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at," has been modernized with a thumping techno beat that's already setting dance floors ablaze across the country.

The new currency, the Yorkshire Pudding (YP), was also unveiled by Finance Minister Brian Blessed. The YP, which comes in the form of miniature, edible Yorkshire puddings, has already been dubbed the world's tastiest currency.

While the British government initially frowned upon the idea of a separate Yorkshire state, the prospect of a free-flowing supply of Wensleydale cheese has helped to ease tensions. Indeed, diplomatic relations are already being forged, with the PRY's Foreign Minister Sean Bean brokering deals with the likes of New Zealand, the land of Hobbits and fellow sheep enthusiasts.

The new nation is ready to make its mark on the world stage. The PRY has submitted a bid to host the 2028 Olympic Games, promising to replace the traditional Olympic torch with a giant Yorkshire pudding on fire. Furthermore, the world's largest 'Whippet Sanctuary' is under construction, aiming to provide a home for all whippets in need, regardless of their nation of origin.

The People's Republic of Yorkshire has emerged as a nation united by its love of cricket, tea, and puddings. With a stiff upper lip and a warm sense of humor, the PRY is poised to take the world by storm, one flat cap at a time.

God Save the Pudding!