Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Sport, commenting on Muirfield Golf Club’s decision to overturn its men only policy, said:

“This is a step in the right direction and I’m glad the club has finally removed this archaic barrier to entry for women.

"But it is disappointing that it took the removal of the club’s right to host the Open Championship in order to compel members into action, rather than a genuine desire to act in the interests of equality and fairness.

"Sports like golf are part of our rich sporting heritage and our sporting future, but centuries-old traditions cannot be used as an excuse to stand in the way of equality.”