David Cameron lifts ban on women soldiers in frontline combat fighting

The long-standing ban on British women soldiers taking part in frontline combat fighting is to be lifted, David Cameron has announced.

The prime minister said he had accepted a recommendation by the head of the Army, general Nick Carter, that women should be able to serve ground close combat roles.

Arriving in Warsaw, Poland, for the Nato summit, Mr Cameron said: “I agree with his advice and have accepted his recommendation.

“I have asked that this is implemented as soon as possible. It is vital that our armed forces are world-class and reflect the society we live in. Lifting this ban is a major step.

“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 Ministry of Defence said that it would adopt a phased approach, starting with the Royal Armoured Corps which will begin taking women from November.

It will be followed over the next two and a half years by the infantry, the Royal Marines and the RAF Regiment.

The ministry said they had decided to start with the corps as research suggested there would be less likelihood of injury than in other ground close combat roles.

The ministry believes that operating armoured vehicles is likely to attract the highest number of women recruits who could eventually account for up to one in five applicants to the corps.