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The Metropolitan Police’s decision to compel officers to declare Freemasonry membership came after 16 intelligence reports highlighted concerns over the organisation, the High Court has been told.
It included a WhatsApp message uncovered during a criminal investigation in which one officer told another: “It’s a brotherhood and that’s where a lot of people tend to bend it a little in terms of promotions if you catch my drift”.
Staff and cops are now required to reveal membership “past or present” of any organisation that is “hierarchical, has confidential membership and requires members to support and protect each other”.
Two serving Freemason police officers and three bodies representing the organisation are now seeking to take legal action over the decision at the High Court. Claire Darwin KC, for the claimants, told the court on Wednesday that the move was a breach of their human rights as it allows the force to create a “black list” and is an “institutional signal of suspicion”.
The hearing before Mr Justice Chamberlain is due to conclude later on Wednesday with a ruling expected later this month.
Source: Met Police ordered Freemasonry revealed after ’16 reports highlighted concerns’