大象传媒

Former Major Judith Webb, the first female to lead an all-male squadron, says she believes in equality but feels women are too "physically different" to fight on the front line in the British Army.

It follows the announcement that women could be allowed to serve in British infantry units for the first time by 2016.

The Army was ordered to review the ban on women serving in close combat roles by the previous Defence Secretary. Last May Philip Hammond said he wanted to send a signal that the military is open to all who can meet the standards.

The current defence secretary Michael Fallon told Today's John Humphrys: 'Women can fight as effectively as men, but we've to make sure long-term health isn't compromised'.