By Hugo Gye Margaret Thatcher was not known as a gourmet - but she may have helped Britain become the culinary capital of Europe, according to a leading chef. Michelin-starred restaurateur Michel Roux claims that his home country of France is falling behind the UK thanks to its use of pre-packaged ingredients and microwaved meals. He blames the decline on EU regulations which limit the number of hours chefs can work - and credits Thatcher with stopping Britain going the same way. Warning: Michel Roux says that France's culinary scene is in decline thanks to employment laws Mr Roux, 73, moved to Britain nearly half a century ago, and along with his brother Albert set up two of the country's best restaurants, Le Gavroche in London and the Waterside Inn in Berkshire.
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Founder of Le Gavroche and Waterside Inn says his home country is now dependent on pre-packaged ingredients
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He blames the shift on rules which block chefs working more than 35 hours
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Thatcher refused to introduce similar legislation in Britain
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'My God, she saved the country' says Mr Roux, 73
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Despite Mr Roux's outburst, there are still far more restaurants in France which are considered world-class than there are in @placeholder.