British Armed Forces need more women to join as staff shortage crisis deepens

His comments come as the influx of new recruits has rapidly decreased across the military, particularly with the number of recruits in the Navy which has plummeted.

The latest reports show the Navy is battling with a shortage of sailors - which has resulted in the decommissioning of two warships.

"Something which I am extremely passionate about is having a military which should represent our country as it is today," Shapps told The Telegraph.

"It can’t be right that our military still only has 11 or 12 per cent women, for example, when you make up half the population."

The intake for both the Navy and Royal Marines experienced a huge drop of 22.1 per cent compared to the previous year.

The Government responded to a defence committee report on "Women in the Armed Forces: From Recruitment to Civilian Life" saying that it recognises there are still barriers still impact female recruitment.

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It cited worries such as the view that it is more challenging for women to thrive in such environments.

Shapps said there is a need to offer more incentives in a bid to attract individuals.

He added that these could include measures such as additional apprenticeships and ensuring recruitment fairs show the diverse range of opportunities within the military.

The Defence Secretary also expressed the importance of promoting the military as an "extraordinary career choice".

Across the UK regular forces, females currently make up 11.3 per cent, while women in the Royal Navy make up 13 per cent.

In the Royal Marines, female representation stands at 1.8 per cent.

Women make up nearly 16 per cent of the Royal Air Force and 10.3 per cent of the Army.