Over 300 members of the Metropolitan Police, including officers and staff, have revealed their affiliations with the Freemasons or other “hierarchical organizations,” a requirement that was implemented by the force last month, according to a High Court judge.
In December, the Metropolitan Police announced that involvement with the Freemasons and similar groups would be incorporated into its policy for declarable associations.
Personnel were instructed to disclose their membership, whether current or previous, in any organization characterized as “hierarchical, possessing a confidential membership, and necessitating mutual support and protection among its members.”
This directive has led the bodies representing Freemasons to initiate legal proceedings challenging the force’s decision in the High Court.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), also representing the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), announced last month its intention to seek an injunction to pause the implementation of the policy until the legal challenge is resolved.
In a court ruling issued on January 2, which was made public on Monday, Mr. Justice Chamberlain stated that a judge would decide on the injunction without holding a hearing this week.
He noted: “The contested decision implies a requirement to reveal connections to Masonic and similar associations.”
“This requirement is effective immediately.”
“However, there is no urgent need for prompt interim relief at this moment, considering that approximately 300 officers and staff have already disclosed their affiliations with Masonic and other hierarchical organizations.”
Chamberlain also indicated that there was no indication that the Metropolitan Police intended to take disciplinary action against officers or staff for failing to make a declaration “in the forthcoming weeks.”
The judge remarked that the force had “agreed to contemplate whether to retract the contested decision based on submissions” from the OWF and HFAF.
Previously, the Metropolitan Police stated that it would “vigorously defend” its decision, which was formulated after a survey revealed that two-thirds of respondents felt that memberships in such organizations influenced perceptions of police neutrality and public trust.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has advocated for this declaration policy as part of a broader initiative for transparency within the organization.
The UGLE warned that the reporting obligation could damage the public perception of Freemasons and might infringe upon their human rights and GDPR regulations. They also stated that less than 5% of officers and staff participated in the survey regarding this matter.
