A police force could become the first in the country to allow officers to wear the full-face veil after it launched a recruitment drive to increase diversity.

West Midlands Police said it has “no barriers” relating to the burka as they announced that they would discuss allowing the traditional Islamic dress to become part of a policewoman’s uniform.

Chief Constable David Thompson said he would look into employing officers who wear the burka if the issue arose, as the force tries to increase the percentage of black and minority ethnic (BME) officers in the region to 30 per cent.

The move was last night criticised by MPs, including David Davies, who worked as a police officer in London for nine years and told the Telegraph he is “horrified” by the suggestion.

The hijab - which does not cover the face - has been approved as uniform by the Metropolitan Police and Police Scotland, but it is believed West Midlands is the first force to consider allowing officers to wear full-face burkas or niqabs.