Comic Barry Cryer decries the snowflake generation

Comedian Barry Cryer says the snowflake generation is too easily offended.

‘Comedy always risks being offensive, but the problem now is that people, especially young people, are waiting to be offended,’ the 83-year-old tells me. ‘We have to stop being so sensitive and make room for different opinions.

‘There was a young comic recently who was going to do a gig in a university, and they gave him a list of topics he must not mention. He said: “Sorry, i’m not doing it.” We mustn’t do that! if somebody says something you disagree with, debate with them — don’t ban them. don’t no-platform them.

‘Germaine Greer, whom i’ve known for years, was no-platformed twice.

‘She said, “if they disagree with me, get me up there and let them have a go at me!” That’s what it’s about.’