Female soldiers will be allowed to serve on front-line

Friday 8 July 2016 at 2:48pm

ITV News report by Nina Nannar

Women soldiers will be allowed to serve in front-line roles for the first time, Downing Street has announced.

David Cameron confirmed that the long-standing bar on female soldiers taking the close-combat ground roles will be lifted "as soon as possible".

Currently, women are banned from taking front-line positions, which are some of the most dangerous and physically demanding.

However, the head of the Army, General Sir Nick Carter, had previously recommended lifting the gender bar.

Mr Cameron today said: "I agree with his advice and have accepted his recommendation. I have asked that this is implemented as soon as possible."

The Ministry of Defence conducted reviews into whether women were strong enough or if their presence might undermine fighting units prior to the announcement.

It means the UK will follow Israel, Australia and the United States to become one of a small handful of countries that allow women to serve on the front line.