Met Police Considers Requiring Officers to Declare Freemasonry Membership
The Metropolitan Police is considering a policy change that would require officers to declare whether they are Freemasons, following ongoing concerns about the potential impact of membership on investigations, promotions, and misconduct proceedings.
Currently, the Met views its existing policy on declarable associations as adequate. Though, the force has continued to receive intelligence reports and expressions of concern from officers and staff regarding the influence of Freemasonry membership. While the number of reports is low, police officials state they must be taken seriously.
The proposed policy change will be discussed with the United Grand Lodge of England, the governing body for Freemasonry in England and Wales. A consultation process will also involve officers,staff,the Police Federation,and other representative bodies to gather feedback on the potential shift.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who sets the strategic direction for policing in the capital, has previously opposed a compulsory register of Freemasonry within the Met, citing potential conflicts with officers’ human rights.
The move comes as the Met reviews its approach to ensuring impartiality and public trust within the force.
