Masons challenge Met over membership declaration

The Freemasons are considering legal action against the Metropolitan police after the commissioner announced plans to force officers to say whether or not they are members, The Observer understands.

- John Simpson

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has held consultations on potential legal action that could include a judicial review after Sir Mark Rowley announced plans last week for Met officers to make an obligatory declaration if they are “on the square”.

In an appearance on LBC Radio on Friday, Rowley claimed that based on “the intelligence picture” that was available to him, as well as other factors, he was satisfied the move was absolutely necessary.

He went on to say: “There are many, many women officers in the organisation particularly who are massively relieved at this decision because they feel they are disadvantaged by, sadly, a boys’ club.”