Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Women to fight in frontline combat roles in British military

David Cameron is set to lift a longstanding ban

Jon Stone
Friday 08 July 2016 15:19 BST
Comments
In wars such as those fought in Iraq, women have not been allowed on the frontline
In wars such as those fought in Iraq, women have not been allowed on the frontline (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A ban on women serving in frontline combat roles in the British armed forces is set to be lifted.

David Cameron is expected to announce the new policy at a Nato summit in Warsaw, according to sources cited by the BBC.

The change follows an 18-month review of the policy announced last year by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

The review looked into questions of whether women were physically strong enough to serve with the infantry on the frontline and whether their presence would undermine the cohesion and morale of fighting units.

The rule change comes amid reports of a recruitment crisis and undermanned army reserves.

Mr Fallon has previously said he hoped to “open up” the dangerous jobs to people regardless of gender.

Mr Cameron said in December 2015: “The Defence Secretary [Michael Fallon] and I are united in wanting to see all roles in our armed forces opened up to women in 2016.

“We've already lifted a number of barriers in our armed forces with the introduction of female submariners and women reaching the highest ranks in all services.

“We should finish the job next year and open up ground combat roles to women.”

Women have served in the UK's armed forces for centuries but until the late 20th-century tended to work in auxillary roles.

Women are currently permitted to join the British armed forces in all roles except those whose "primary duty is to close with and kill the enemy".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in