Freemasons’ legal challenge attempt against Met fails

The Freemasons' legal challenge against the Metropolitan Police has failed in the High Court. The challenge concerned the police force's decision to require staff to declare current or past membership in the Freemasons. Mr. Justice Chamberlain ruled on Tuesday in favor of the Metropolitan Police, stating that the declaration requirement serves a legitimate purpose. The judge determined that compelling staff to disclose Freemason membership is a proportionate measure to maintain and improve public trust in policing. The legal action sought to overturn the policy, but the court upheld the police force's right to implement it.

A UK court has upheld a new London police policy requiring officers to declare Freemasonry membership. The challenge to the policy was brought by several Freemason organizations and two police officers. The High Court judge ruled that the policy serves a legitimate aim of maintaining public trust in policing and is proportionate. The court denied the challenge, stating the grounds were not reasonably arguable and the policy was not discriminatory. Introduced in December, the rule mandates that all Metropolitan Police officers and staff disclose current or past Freemason affiliation.