Nicola Sturgeon thinks Jaffa Cakes are ‘definitely’ biscuits… and the internet has gone wild

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Nicola Sturgeon’s declaration that Jaffa Cakes are “definitely a biscuit” has reignited an age-old debate about the sweet treat.

The question of whether the McVitie’s snacks are classified as a biscuit or cake is one that has divided Brits for some time.

In 1991, McVitie’s was forced to go to court to defend its categorisation of the treat as cakes in a Value Added Tax (VAT) tribunal.

Since then, Jaffa Cakes are legally considered as cakes, which means the McVitie’s does not have to pay the additional VAT that is required for chocolate covered biscuits.

© Provided by Evening Standard McVitie’s successfully appealed against a ruling which said Jaffa Cakes were biscuits (PA Archive/PA Images)

But the Scottish First Minister insisted during today’s press briefing that Jaffa Cakes are biscuits.

“In my humble opinion, a Jaffa cake is definitely a biscuit,” she said.

“But there you go… that’s probably one of the most controversial things I’ve said, and a brief attempt at humour in an otherwise difficult time.”

“Nicola Sturgeon: “A Jaffa Cake is definitely a biscuit””

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Ms Sturgeon’s comments sparked a huge reaction online.

Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party Colum Eastwood said on Twitter: “Can’t remember the last time I disagreed with something @NicolaSturgeon said. This though, this is just wrong.”

Another person wrot on Twittere: “Can we just put on record that cakes go hard when stale, biscuits go soft.

“Therefore a Jaffa Cake is a cake. I feel very strongly about this (but not as strongly as I feel about crepes not being pancakes).”

But others appeared to have had enough of the long-standing debate.

“Can we just reclassify them as fresh fruit and be done with it?” joked one.

Ms Sturgeon made the comments as she attempted to clarify the latest coronavirus restrictions which came into force in Scotland today.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes outside central Scotland will only be allowed to operate indoors between 6am and 6pm from Friday and not serve alcohol, though drinks can be served until 10pm in outdoor areas.

But pubs and licensed restaurants in five health board areas – Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley – will be forced to close for all but takeaway service for 16 days from 6pm on Friday.

Ms Sturgeon revealed on Thursday that cafes can be exempt from the central belt shutdown during the day if they do not sell alcohol, triggering confusion about how a cafe is defined.

Speaking at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing on Friday, she acknowledged frustration on that point but said the new measures attempt to strike a balance between saving lives and protecting the economy.