Freemasons sue UK police over membership declaration rule

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 any membership in Freemasonry or similar groups. Introduced in December, the policy is part of ongoing investigations into alleged Masonic influence within the force.

Freemasonic leaders argue that the move is discriminatory because it classifies Freemasonry as a “declarable” association, which they say amounts to religious discrimination. The Metropolitan Police policy requires officers and staff to declare current or past membership in any organisation that is hierarchical, has confidential membership and requires members to support and protect each other.

UGLE, which represents Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, opposes the policy, stating it was implemented without adequate consultation. 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 UGLE, about 440 Freemasons serve among the Met’s 32,135 officers—a number it claims is too small to exert any significant influence on the force. The Metropolitan Police, however, says it will “robustly defend” the policy, viewing it as part of efforts to restore public trust and confidence. The requirement follows a recommendation from the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel, which examined the 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.

UGLE’s court filing seeks to halt enforcement of the rule while a full judicial review is prepared. The organisation 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 maintains that the changes were made to ensure there is “no opportunity for secret loyalties” to affect policing.

The case is expected to proceed, with 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 for the broader issue of police transparency and accountability.