To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to open military roles to women.

The Secretary of State confirmed on 25 October that the Infantry and Royal Marines are being opened up to women. Those already serving in the Army can apply to transfer into infantry roles from December, and from January 2019 the Infantry and Royal Marines will be open to external applications from women.

This fulfils the Government commitment to open up all combat roles to women and reflects an Armed Forces that is a modern and inclusive employer which maximises the talent of every individual Service person.