Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that fitness standards are not reduced for recruits as a result of ground close combat roles now being open to women.

There will be no lowering of standards as a result of Ground Close Combat roles being open to women.

We take the health and fitness standards of our personnel extremely seriously and constantly seek to apply the latest physiological science to modernise and improve the way we train them to meet the demands of the roles they are employed in, regardless of gender.

As part of a physiological research programme, the Services have been working with experts to ensure its physical training methods, along with the right balance of rest, hydration and nutrition, physically prepare our personnel in the best way. The programme will deliver robust gender free selection and in-service fitness standards, and improved methods for conducting physical training and testing to match the capabilities of the individuals with the duties they need to perform. Importantly, it will also reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.