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Over 300 officers and staff within the Metropolitan Police have identified themselves as members of the Freemasons or similar “hierarchical associations,” following a directive issued by the force last month, a High Court judge revealed. This declaration requirement stems from a recent update to the Met’s policy on declarable associations, introduced in December, which mandates that personnel disclose any current or former involvement with organizations characterized by confidentiality, hierarchy, and mutual protection among members.
The decision to include the Freemasons and comparable groups in the policy led to legal challenges by Masonic organizations. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), representing itself as well as the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), sought an injunction to delay the enforcement of this policy pending a full judicial review. On 2 January, Mr Justice Chamberlain issued a court order stating that the question of the injunction’s necessity would be resolved without a hearing later that week. The judge noted that the policy’s immediate application had already resulted in significant compliance, with many officers and staff disclosing their affiliations, and found no urgent basis for interim relief.
Moreover, the judge highlighted that the Metropolitan Police did not intend to discipline those who had yet to declare their memberships in the near term and acknowledged that the force was willing to reconsider the policy following submissions from the honorary Masonic bodies. In response to the legal challenge, the Met has maintained it will defend the decision firmly, citing a survey among its workforce where two-thirds believed that association with such groups might affect perceptions of impartiality and undermine public trust. Sir Mark Rowley, the Met commissioner, has supported the transparency initiative as part of broader efforts to increase openness within the force.
Freemasonry itself is an ancient fraternal organization with global membership of approximately six million, including over 200,000 affiliates in England and Wales. Its origins trace back to the medieval guilds of stonemasons, with modern members participating in lodge meetings that involve secretive rituals and initiation ceremonies. Central to Freemasonry is the figure of King Solomon, whose construction of the First Temple symbolizes ideals of personal development and spiritual progress within the order. Members must believe in a Supreme Being, though adherence to any specific religion is not required, and discussions of politics or religion are reportedly prohibited during gatherings. The initiation process includes graduating through various degrees, giving rise to the phrase “giving someone the third degree,” which is linked to the final stage of advancement
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