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| Women could join British infantry by 2016 | Women could join British infantry by 2016 |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Women could be allowed to serve in British infantry units for the first time by 2016. | Women could be allowed to serve in British infantry units for the first time by 2016. |
| An Army review of the ban on women serving in close combat has concluded the change would not have an "adverse effect" on troop cohesion. | An Army review of the ban on women serving in close combat has concluded the change would not have an "adverse effect" on troop cohesion. |
| But further research is needed to assess the "physiological demands", the Ministry of Defence review said. | But further research is needed to assess the "physiological demands", the Ministry of Defence review said. |
| Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said roles "should be determined by ability and not gender." | |
| He said he hoped to introduce the change "subject to some final research over the next year or so." | He said he hoped to introduce the change "subject to some final research over the next year or so." |
| BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said military sources have told the BBC there is now a "real desire" among ministers to end the restrictions. | BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said military sources have told the BBC there is now a "real desire" among ministers to end the restrictions. |
| He said the review on women serving in the infantry, commissioned in May, has put to rest some of the old arguments that barred them, such as that women lack the killer instinct and could undermine a unit's cohesion, affecting its ability to fight. | |
| Kevan Jones, Labour's shadow armed forces minister, welcomed the move. | Kevan Jones, Labour's shadow armed forces minister, welcomed the move. |
| 'Killer instinct' | 'Killer instinct' |
| Currently women can serve on the front line, but not where the primary aim is to "close with and kill the enemy". | Currently women can serve on the front line, but not where the primary aim is to "close with and kill the enemy". |
| This means women are not permitted to serve in the infantry or armoured corps where they could be involved in close combat. | This means women are not permitted to serve in the infantry or armoured corps where they could be involved in close combat. |
| Female aircrew have been flying combat missions over Iraq, and this year the Royal Navy allowed women to serve on submarines for the first time. | Female aircrew have been flying combat missions over Iraq, and this year the Royal Navy allowed women to serve on submarines for the first time. |
| Women soldiers have also been on the frontline in Afghanistan although in support roles, such as medics and bomb disposal experts. | Women soldiers have also been on the frontline in Afghanistan although in support roles, such as medics and bomb disposal experts. |
| Analysis: Jonathan Beale, BBC defence correspondent | |
| This is a signal of intent, but not a done deal. | |
| The fact that the review did not lift the ban on women serving in close combat roles shows there are still issues to be resolved - most importantly, how will a woman's body stand up to the huge physical demands of being an infantry soldier? | |
| Those against lifting the ban will also be worried that standards will be weakened for women. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has talked of the need to "improve" training if the infantry is opened up to women. What exactly does that mean? | |
| With so many allies, including the US, now allowing women to carry out close combat roles, it will be increasingly hard for the British Armed Forces to keep the ban in place. Times have changed and there is political pressure for the Army to change too. | |
| But in reality even in those countries that have lifted the ban, women are still in a significant minority. Few may want to join the infantry and even fewer are likely to meet the physical demands. | |
| Maj Judith Webb, the first woman to command an all-male field force squadron in the Army, said woman are "physically different" to men. | |
| She told the BBC's Radio 4's Today Programme the presence of weaker soldiers over an extended period "could create an effect on our combat effectiveness". | |
| But Brig Nicky Moffat, until recently the most senior female officer serving in the Army, has described caution as "sexism dressed up as concern". | |
| There are some concerns that if women become injured, this could lead to claims for compensation. | There are some concerns that if women become injured, this could lead to claims for compensation. |
| A defence source told the BBC the wellbeing of British personnel is of the utmost importance. | |
| Are you a woman who would like to join the infantry in a close combat role? What is your view of the ending of this ban? Email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | Are you a woman who would like to join the infantry in a close combat role? What is your view of the ending of this ban? Email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk |
| Have your say | Have your say |