Met Police wins court battle over secret society disclosures
High Court Throws Out Challenge to Met’s Freemason Rule
The Met Police has scored a major legal victory after the High Court rejected a challenge to its policy requiring officers and staff to declare membership of secretive groups like the Freemasons. The United Grand Lodge of England and others had challenged the rule, but the court threw out their judicial review as “not reasonably arguable.”
Commander Simon Messinger, head of Professionalism, hailed the ruling, saying, “We were ready to fight this in court, and today’s judgment is a big win for transparency and trust.”
Why the Met Demands Freemason Membership on Record
Secret societies such as the Freemasons have long sparked fears about conflicts of interest and loyalty within the police. The Met insists the updated policy is crucial to maintain public faith in policing.
“We had to act because victims of crime and whistleblowers need to know investigations aren’t compromised. We put public trust above any organisation’s desire for secrecy.” – Commander Simon Messinger
The new rules, introduced in December, force all officers and staff to declare any current or previous membership of organisations with secret memberships, loyalty oaths, or ranks. Freemasons are explicitly named.
The policy does not ban officers from joining these groups – it simply insists on full disclosure to preserve transparency.
Backing from Met Officers and Staff
Consultations within the force showed a strong view that membership of secretive groups damages perceptions of impartiality and public trust. Two-thirds (66%) agreed such ties affect impartiality, while 64% said it risks public confidence.
This comes after years of pressure to confront Freemasonry’s influence in policing following findings by the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel. Though formal complaints remain low, intelligence and officer concerns about unfair impact on investigations and promotions forced the Met’s hand.
Around 350 Met personnel have already declared membership in such bodies, mostly Freemasons.
Judge Dismisses All Claims of Discrimination
Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled the policy does not breach discrimination laws or human rights. The court dismissed all claims brought by the Freemasons and others as unfounded.
This decision solidifies the Met’s drive for openness and rooting out hidden loyalties that could undermine policing integrity.
