Ban on women serving in close combat roles lifted

Prime Minister David Cameron has lifted the ban which prevents women serving in close combat roles in the British military.

The move means that women who have previously served on the front line in support roles will now be allowed to enter the cavalry, infantry and armoured corps. Although the Army’s research has suggested less than five per cent of its serving women would pass the current fitness test, Cameron said that lifting the ban was a ‘major step’ that would ‘make the most of all its talent’.

Cameron made the announcement at a Nato summit in Warsaw. He said: "It is vital that our armed forces are world-class and reflect the society we live in. It will ensure the armed forces can make the most of all their talent and increase opportunities for women to serve in the full range of roles."

The roles for women in close combat are expected to be phased in, with positions opening in cavalry and armoured units and then in the infantry.