Met Police Win Legal Challenge Over Freemason Disclosure Rule

The Metropolitan Police have successfully defended their policy requiring officers and staff to declare membership of Freemasonry or similar organizations. A High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge brought by Freemasonry bodies and serving officers, ruling the policy serves a legitimate aim of maintaining public trust in policing and is proportionate.

Background to the Policy Change

In December, the Met Police updated its declarable associations policy to include organizations with confidential membership, hierarchical structures, and a requirement for members to support and protect each other. Freemasonry was specifically named as falling under this category. This change stemmed from concerns raised in feedback that involvement in such groups could compromise impartiality or create conflicts of loyalty within the police force.

The policy requires officers and staff to declare any past or present association with these types of organizations. However, it does not prevent individuals from joining or remaining members of Freemasonry or similar groups.

The Legal Challenge

The legal challenge was launched by the United Grand Lodge of England, the Order of Women Freemasons, the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, and two serving police officers who are Freemasons. They argued against the necessity and proportionality of the disclosure requirement.

High Court Ruling

Mr. Justice Chamberlain, in a 17-page ruling delivered on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, determined that the grounds for the legal challenge were not “reasonably arguable.” He stated the policy was not discriminatory or “unduly stigmatising” against Freemasons. The judge also found that allowing officers and staff to decide on disclosure on an “ad hoc basis” would not effectively maintain or enhance public trust. BBC News, The Guardian, and The Independent reported on the ruling.

Public and Police Support for the Policy

A consultation with Met Police officers and staff revealed significant support for the policy change. 66% of respondents believed that membership in such organizations affects the perception of police impartiality, and 64% agreed or strongly agreed that it impacts public trust. Metropolitan Police News

Commander Messinger’s Statement

Commander Simon Messinger, Professionalism at the Met, welcomed the High Court’s decision. He emphasized the importance of public trust and confidence in police investigations, stating that victims of crime and those reporting wrongdoing must be assured that investigations are not compromised by potential conflicts of loyalty. Metropolitan Police News

Approximately 400 Declarations Made

As of the ruling, around 400 Met officers and staff have already voluntarily declared their membership in organizations covered by the new policy.