THERE is no excuse for inequality in the modern day.

Women should be given the same rights as men so it’s a step in the right direction that the line of succession to the English throne which favoured males over females is to be scrapped. This means a first-born daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will become Queen, whereas a younger brother would have previously taken precedence.

Also part of the change is a historic law barring anyone with a Catholic spouse from succeeding to the crown, though Catholics will still be barred from being monarch, who is also head of the Church of England.

It is absolutely right these changes have been agreed between all members of the Commonwealth and efforts to change the 1701 Act of Settlement are made before a new heir apparent is born.

Of course there will still be critics who believe the presence of a royal family and monarchy means real equality cannot be achieved, but at least efforts are being made to modernise.

And not a day too soon.