Freemasons and the Met: ex-officer says refusal harmed career

An ex-Met officer says refusing to join the Freemasons damaged his promotion prospects, and the Metropolitan Police has begun requiring staff to declare membership while the United Grand Lodge of England has launched legal action.

An ex-Met police officer writes that refusing to join the Freemasons harmed his career and describes wider concerns about secret memberships in the justice system. The Metropolitan Police has asked officers and staff to declare membership of Freemasonry and similar organisations as part of an anti-corruption drive. The United Grand Lodge of England has responded with legal action, and the force reports a low survey response so far. Key facts: - The Met requires staff to declare membership of organisations described as hierarchical, confidential and requiring mutual support. - More than 300 officers and staff have declared membership, but fewer than 5% of Met employees have completed the survey so far. - The United Grand Lodge of England has launched legal action, alleging discrimination over the disclosure requirement. - The author, a former senior Met officer, recounts being denied promotion after refusing to join and argues secrecy around membership can affect fairness in policing and the wider justice system. Summary: The article reports alleged preferential treatment linked to secret Freemasonry and frames the Met's declaration requirement as an attempt to improve transparency. It notes the legal challenge from the Masons and limited survey participation. Undetermined at this time.