‘No one pretends allowing women onto the front line enhances the army’s capabilities,’ says Tim Collins.

Lifting the ban on women in combat roles will “drag our infantry to far below the required standard” and put people at greater risk of dying, according to a former SAS commander.

“The infantry is no place for a woman, and to permit them to serve in close combat roles is a pure politically correct extravagance,” Colonel Tim Collins has said, following David Cameron’s announcement on Friday that women will be allowed to perform combat roles in the army.

He added: “No one pretends that allowing women onto the front line enhances the army’s capabilities.”