Over 300 Met staff disclose they are Freemasons or in other hierarchical groups
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Over 300 Metropolitan Police officers and staff have disclosed membership in hierarchical organizations like the Freemasons, following a new Met policy requiring such declarations. The policy, implemented to restore public trust, has faced legal challenges from Masonic groups who claim it is discriminatory and violates human rights. The United Grand Lodge of England and other Masonic organizations are seeking an injunction to block the policy, with the High Court set to decide on the matter this week. A judge noted that disciplinary action is not planned against those who haven't declared, and the Met will consider withdrawing the policy based on representations. The Met defends the policy as crucial for addressing potential conflicts of interest, particularly in light of ongoing investigations involving alleged masonic influence.
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Key Claims (5)
AI-ExtractedThe Met policy orders officers to declare membership in hierarchical organizations with confidential membership.
The United Grand Lodge of England is seeking an injunction against the Met policy.
More than 300 Metropolitan police officers and staff have declared membership in hierarchical organizations.
Freemasons say only 5% of staff took part in the Met survey.
The Met says a survey shows two-thirds of officers back the restriction.
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