Brits tell Russia: There’s nothing wrong with eating squirrels

Brits may have found supermarket shelves full of salad products in recent weeks, but the crisis is much more serious as the country is forced to eat squirrels, according to Russian TV.

State broadcaster Olga Skabeyeva made the claim on its talk show 60 Minutes, and was appalled that Britain appeared to be impoverishing itself while supplying howitzers for the Ukrainian army.

Ms Skabeyeva may have been confused with what Three Atop, a conservation group, published in the media.

The group works to protect the red squirrel, whose population has declined as the gray variety has become ubiquitous. Kerry Hosegood, head of conservation, told the Times it was “not controversial” to eat them through population control.

It seems that wires have been crossed with Russian viewers now being led to believe that squirrels are the only item on the menu – something even Brexit hasn’t led to.

“Today it was announced that some restaurants in the former Britain will be serving squirrels,” Ms Skabeyeva said in translated comments.

“Given that there are many animals in the parks, why not eat them considering the food shortage?

“They do not deviate from the decision to help Zelenskyy deliver weapons. That means they will eat squirrels but still supply howitzers.”

While Ms Skabeyeva was wrong in her claim about the squirrels, she was on the money with Britain’s pledge to help Ukraine – with the country already pledged more than £2.2billion in aid.

It’s unlikely Brits will be forced to eat squirrels any time soon, but Phil Vickery, chef on ITV series This Morning, has said there are worse options should the need arise.

He told the Times squirrel tastes like a “subtle version of rabbit” and is “sweet, light in color and has a delicate texture,” which can work well when cooked with spices.

It follows a debate over whether it is right to eat objects killed on the street, after Loose Women regular Janet Street Porter admitted to doing the same.