Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, cited the examples of “Doctor Who, the Ghostbusters, Luke Skywalker and The Equalizer all replaced by women”.

He made the bizarre remarks while leading a Westminster debate on International Men’s Day, which took place last Friday with little fanfare.

Mr Fletcher said the only remaining role models for men were “the Krays and [Peaky Blinders character] Tommy Shelby”, who “make crime look cool”.

He said: “Is it any wonder that so many young men are committing crimes?”