The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has filed an emergency injunction with the UK High Court to block a new Metropolitan Police requirement that officers and staff disclose their membership in Freemasonry or similar groups. The policy, introduced in December, is part of ongoing investigations into alleged masonic influence within the department. Freemasonic leaders argue that the move is discriminatory, as it classifies Freemasonry as a “declarable” association, which they claim amounts to religious discrimination.
The Metropolitan Police policy requires officers and staff to declare current or past membership in any organization that is “hierarchical, has confidential membership and requires members to support and protect each other.” The UGLE, which represents Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, has opposed the policy, stating that it was implemented without adequate consultation. The organization’s grand secretary, Adrian Marsh, accused the police of “whipping up conspiracy theories” about Freemasons’ influence and asserted that the decision to add Freemasonry to the force’s declarable association list was made without proper consideration.
According to the UGLE, there are approximately 440 Freemasons among the Met’s 32,135 officers, which they claim is too small a number to exert any significant influence on the force. The Metropolitan Police, however, has stated that it will “robustly defend” the policy, which it views as part of efforts to restore public trust and confidence. The requirement follows a recommendation from the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel, which examined police handling of the unsolved 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan. The panel’s 2021 report highlighted officers’ links to Freemasonry as a source of recurring suspicion and mistrust during investigations.
The UGLE’s court filing seeks to halt enforcement of the rule while a full judicial review is prepared. The organization argues that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley “is making up the law on the hoof” and that the policy risks impugning the integrity of Freemason members. The Metropolitan Police has stated that the changes were made to ensure there is “no opportunity for secret loyalties” to affect policing. The case is expected to proceed, with the UGLE pushing for a full judicial review of the policy. The outcome will have significant implications for the relationship between the Metropolitan Police and Freemasonry, as well as the broader issue of police transparency and accountability.