Freemasons set to lodge legal challenge against Met Police forcing officers to declare membership

THE national body of freemasons has threatened the Metropolitan Police with legal action over its plans to force officers to declare their membership of the organisation.

Earlier this month, the Met said Freemasonry membership would be added to its declarable associations policy, following a consultation of officers.

Two-thirds of around 2,000 respondents felt membership of such organisations affects perception of police impartiality and public trust, the force said.

It followed earlier recommendations following a review into the 1987 unsolved murder of a private detective Daniel Morgan that cited Freemasonry as a source of "mistrust" in investigations.

Mr Morgan, a 37-year-old father of two was killed with an axe in the car park of the Golden Lion pub in Sydenham, south-east London, on 10 March 1987.

A string of inquiries since have unearthed allegations of corruption.

A 2021 report, following an independent review of the case, said police officers' membership of the Freemasons had been "a source of recurring suspicion and mistrust in the investigations".

But, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the governing body of Freemasonry in England, has warned the Met they will seek a judicial review if it proceeds with the move, which they say is discriminatory.

It has sent a letter before claim to the force which said it would not be appropriate to comment further.

UGLE, which dates back to 1717, describes Freemason societies as being among the "oldest social and charitable organisations in the world", with its principles being "integrity, friendship, respect and service".

The Met launched its consultation following claims from officers of freemasonry membership hampering some investigations.

Criminals such as Kenneth Noye and Sam Vinden have been involved in freemasonry in the past.

The Met's decision means officers and staff are now required to declare membership "past or present" of any organisation that is "hierarchical, has confidential membership and requires members to support and protect each other".

But, UGLE said that this requirement could undermine the public credibility of Freemasons, and could breach their human rights, as well data protection rules.

Adrian Marsh, grand secretary of UGLE, said: "Freemasonry has the highest moral and ethical standards.

"The decision by the Metropolitan Police casts an aura of mistrust over the entire Freemason community... We now have no choice but to take legal action to challenge this unlawful decision."

Mr Marsh called on force bosses to withdraw the move and "work it through sensibly" with the Freemasons to avoid expensive legal action.

UGLE added that the requirement of Freemasons to support and protect each other comes with the caveat that this must not be to the detriment to their family or the law.

The body also claims it was not properly included in the consultation process and that fewer than 5% of officers and staff completed a survey on the issue.