Armed Forces: `Keep gay ban in armed forces'

PROPOSALS TO lift the ban on homosexuals in the armed forces are attacked today by a former air chief marshal with the backing of a Tory MP in a pamphlet, Not Fit to Fight.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Armitage says lifting the ban on homosexuals - expected after a ruling in the European Court of Human Rights - will reduce combat readiness.

The pamphlet published by the Social Affairs Unit also argues against women soldiers.It says the Battle of Britain might have resulted in a different outcome if pilots were mothers with children in RAF creches.

Julian Brazier, a Tory MP, says the ignorance of MPs has allowed "subversive" change to the armed forces to go ahead without challenge.

`Not Fit to Fight - the cultural subversion of the armed forces in Britain and America', Social Affairs Unit, 314-322 Regent Street, London, W1R 5AB. pounds 11.95 plus pounds 1 p&p.