Female soldiers will soon be allowed to serve in close combat roles on the frontline, No 10 has confirmed.

At present women in the British military can serve on the frontline as fighter pilots, sailors and submariners, but not in close combat roles in tank and infantry units.

Following a review of the rules David Cameron has accepted a recommendation from the head of the Army, General Sir Nick Carter, and asked for the ban to be lifted "as soon as possible".

Mr Cameron said: "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."


Reporting from the NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland, Sky News Defence Correspondent Alistair Bunkall said that the announcement "had been expected for some time."

He said: "That last barrier preventing women from holding almost any role in the British military will be removed.

"It is a step forward for equality in the forces and brings the British military in line with their counterparts in America, Israel and other countries."

The move comes as David Cameron is set to use the summit to announce the deployment of British soldiers to eastern Europe, as part of a show of strength by NATO against Russia.

A 500-strong battalion will be deployed to Estonia and a further 150 troops will be stationed in Poland "on an enduring basis".

Speaking ahead of the NATO meeting, Mr Cameron said: "This summit is a chance for us to reiterate our strong support for Ukraine and our other Eastern allies to deter Russian aggression.

"Actions speak louder than words and the UK is proud to be taking the lead role, deploying troops across Eastern Europe. It is yet another example of the UK leading in NATO."