The Freemasons have launched an emergency High Court challenge against the Metropolitan Police, seeking to halt a controversial new policy that orders serving officers to declare their membership of the organisation.
Legal Battle Over 'Discriminatory' Policy
Papers were filed at the High Court in London on Christmas Eve by the United Grand Lodge of England. The legal action demands an injunction to suspend the Met's policy, which was introduced in December. The Freemasons argue the rule constitutes "religious discrimination" against members who are police officers, as a belief in a supreme being is a requirement to join.
Adrian Marsh, Chief Executive of the Grand Lodge, accused Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley of "making up the law on the hoof" and claimed the force was "whipping up conspiracy theories" about masonic influence. The organisation contends the policy is illegal, unfair, and breaches the human rights of its members.
Met's Stance and Historical Context
The Metropolitan Police has vowed to defend the policy robustly, viewing it as a crucial measure to restore public trust and address potential conflicts of interest. A force survey indicated that two-thirds of officers and staff supported the restriction, believing membership in such hierarchical organisations could affect perceptions of police impartiality.
The issue of Freemasonry within the Met has a long history, with past allegations linking membership to corruption and cover-ups. The 2021 report into the unsolved 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan highlighted concerns, noting that ten police officers prominent in the flawed investigations were Freemasons. While that inquiry found no direct evidence of masonic channels being corruptly used, it recommended tighter rules.
Path to a Judicial Review
The Freemasons expect a hearing on the injunction request to be held by next month, if not sooner. If granted by a senior judge, the policy would be paused pending a full judicial review, where the Freemasons will seek to have it scrapped entirely.
Mr Marsh stated that the Met's consultation process was "wholly inadequate" and revealed that legal correspondence shows the force has agreed to a fuller consultation. He advised affected officer members to discuss concerns with the Police Federation, which also opposes the policy.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed they are aware of the judicial review and will be defending their position. They stated the policy change followed feedback that involvement in organisations requiring members to support each other "could call impartiality into question". The force declined to comment further while proceedings are ongoing.
