"The Met announced in December that membership of the Freemasons or similar organisations would be added to its declarable associations policy. Officers and staff were required to declare membership "past or present" of any organisation that was "hierarchical, has confidential membership and requires members to support and protect each other". The move prompted the bodies representing Freemasons to begin legal action over the force's decision at the High Court."
""The challenged decision purports to impose a requirement to disclose involvement with Masonic and other associations. "The requirement is applicable immediately. "However, there is no pressing need for immediate interim relief at this stage, given that some 300 officers and staff have already declared their involvement in Masonic and other hierarchical associations." Chamberlain added that there was no suggestion the Met planned to take disciplinary action officers or staff for not making a declaration "in the next few weeks"."
The Metropolitan Police added membership of the Freemasons and similar organisations to its declarable associations policy in December, requiring officers and staff to declare past or present involvement with hierarchical, confidential groups. The United Grand Lodge of England, acting for the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, sought an injunction at the High Court to suspend the policy pending full challenge. Mr Justice Chamberlain said the injunction issue would be decided without a hearing, noted about 300 declarations had already been made, saw no pressing need for immediate interim relief, and said there was no suggestion of imminent disciplinary action while the force considers representations.
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