GB News host hits out at ‘clueless’ young women in fiery gender divide row: 'Epidemic of fatherlessness!'

Lydia Davies
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:01:49 +0000

Miriam Cates has sparked a fierce online debate after claiming many young women are “clueless” about men and natural differences between the sexes.

The former Conservative MP made the remarks in response to a report on growing divisions between young men and women.

The People's Channel presenter took aim at what she described as a lack of understanding among young women, questioning how the divide had deepened.

“Seems clear that a lot of young women have no idea about the natural sex differences between males and females,” she wrote on X.

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She added: “They’re shocked that young men might have a sexual interest in them (!), and surprised that men prefer to spend time ‘planning a protest’ rather than ‘openly weeping’.”

Miriam went on to ask: “How have young women become so clueless about young men?”

Her comments came in response to an article by Emily Lawford and Scarlett Maguire, who are the duo behind the April 2026 New Statesman cover story, Angry Young Women.

Their joint work examines a growing ideological divide in Britain, with a particular focus on the political and social pessimism among young women.

The report, based on interviews and polling, suggested young women are becoming increasingly disillusioned with relationships and more politically progressive than their male counterparts.

According to the findings, women aged 18 to 30 are significantly less likely to feel positively about capitalism and more likely to support causes such as feminism and environmentalism.

The report also suggested young women are more likely to feel negatively towards men, with fewer than half believing men understand them.

Miriam argued that several societal factors were contributing to the growing divide.

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Seems clear that a lot of young women have no idea about the natural sex differences between males and females.

They’re shocked that young men might have a sexual interest in them (!), and surprised that men prefer to spend time ‘planning a protest’ rather than ‘openly… https://t.co/pUWNUNzqPh
— Miriam Cates (@miriam_cates) April 16, 2026

She pointed to “small families and an epidemic of fatherlessness” as one possible cause, suggesting many girls grow up without close interaction with boys or men.

Miriam also criticised the role of social media, claiming it creates “completely different worlds for boys and girls” and reduces opportunities for shared experiences.

“The feminisation of education and society in general has turned masculine characteristics that are naturally attractive to women - such as strength, courage, leadership and risk taking - into things to be scared and disapproved of,” the presenter added.

Her remarks quickly drew strong reactions online.

One commenter wrote: “Broken households and TikTok have created the most intense feminist delusion in history.”

Another added: “Men started filtering themselves to be more ‘approachable’ or ‘likeable’ to women.”

Others suggested social media had played a key role in shaping attitudes on both sides.

However, critics pushed back against Ms Cates’ claims, arguing her comments oversimplified complex social issues.

"It’s quite clear that there’s a new wave of misogyny inspired by Andrew Tate & Co," one person penned.

Another commented: "Or maybe it is forced overexposure… when girls are too early exposed to the brutal realities of men and boys, they despair."

The New Statesman report itself highlighted a growing sense of pessimism among young women, with many expressing concerns about their future and feeling unrepresented by mainstream politics.