Seems the government is confident it has successfully cured the nation of all its ills if today’s childcare debate is anything to go by. Nannying Equalities minister Jo Swinson has said parents should make their young sons play with girls’ dolls in order to make them more “caring”.

“The messages we send to children about the role of men and women and whether boys can be nurturing and caring – and yes, dare I say it, play with dolls – getting into those habits of care and nurture and that being seen as something that is just as appropriate for boys as for girls and men and women to be involved in is, I think, important.”

First Stella Creasy demanded parents stop giving their daughters girly toys, now Swinson want to decide which toys little boys can and can’t play with. Quite why the state – let alone a purportedly ‘Liberal’ politician – think it is their place goodness only knows. Anyway, what’s wrong with Action Man? You won’t find a doll more “caring” about protecting the nation’s security…