Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, commenting on the Prime Minister’s call for women to serve in close combat roles in the Armed Forces, said:

“I welcome the review into women serving in close combat roles, and am hopeful that all roles in the Forces will soon be opened up to women.

"The Government must do more to ensure that the Armed Forces better reflect the society they serve. This would mark a vital step towards achieving this goal and would bring us into line with many of the UK’s allies, many of whom have a more equal gender balance in their Forces.

"With recruitment having stalled, Ministers need to get on with delivering more flexible career options for those interested in joining the Services."