Great British Bake Off's Prue Leith says she's sick of young people being branded 'feckless and selfish'

Prue Leith is no stranger to wading into topical matters.

Just recently, the Great British Bake Off judge suggested that packed lunches should be banned. Last year, during an appearance on politics debate program Question Time, she outed herself as a Brexit voter.

But she’s also not afraid to break with the stereotypical opinions of her generation – and we’re not just talking about her bold fashion choices.

Writing in The Spectator to promote her new recipe book, Leith showered praise on the younger generation.

She said:

I’m heartedly sick of hearing how feckless and selfish the young are.

Maybe I move in enchanted circles, but I keep on meeting young people making a go of it, and frankly if they are the future, we should have no fear of Brexit.

She recalled her experience of judging cookery competitions at festivals and shows, saying that the enthusiasm and dynamism of young people never fails to impress her.

Last month I helped judge the first year of the British Charcuterie Awards and there were 443 entries, mostly start-ups by young people.

She also described an encounter with young entrepreneur Alice Thompson, who was being given an honorary degree at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

Used to honorary degrees going to distinguished oldies, I was surprised to see a young woman looking no older than the students.

But if ever anyone deserved an honour, it is she.

Six years ago, she and her business partner Josh Littlejohn MBE set up the Social Bite café chain, selling posh sarnies. Nothing marvellous about that, but for every sandwich sold, one was given to a street sleeper.

The chain now employs 100 people, many of them ex-homeless, and gives away 100,000 meals a year.

But it's fair to say not everyone is convinced with this endorsement. Many have pointed out that Brexit, which young people largely opposed, has been predicted to damage the UK and therefore negatively impact the opportunities available to young people.

Better luck next time Prue.

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