Women to fight in frontline combat roles in British military

David Cameron is set to lift a longstanding ban

In wars such as those fought in Iraq, women have not been allowed on the frontline (Getty)

A ban on women serving in frontline combat roles in the British armed forces is set to be lifted.

David Cameron is expected to announce the new policy at a Nato summit in Warsaw, according to sources cited by the BBC.

The change follows an 18-month review of the policy announced last year by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

The review looked into questions of whether women were physically strong enough to serve with the infantry on the frontline and whether their presence would undermine the cohesion and morale of fighting units.

The rule change comes amid reports of a recruitment crisis and undermanned army reserves.

Mr Fallon has previously said he hoped to “open up” the dangerous jobs to people regardless of gender.

Mr Cameron said in December 2015: “The Defence Secretary [Michael Fallon] and I are united in wanting to see all roles in our armed forces opened up to women in 2016.

“We've already lifted a number of barriers in our armed forces with the introduction of female submariners and women reaching the highest ranks in all services.

“We should finish the job next year and open up ground combat roles to women.”

Women have served in the UK's armed forces for centuries but until the late 20th-century tended to work in auxillary roles.

Women are currently permitted to join the British armed forces in all roles except those whose "primary duty is to close with and kill the enemy".