The United Grand Lodge of England (“UGLE”), the home of Freemasonry in England, Wales and the Channel Islands, notes today’s announcement by the Metropolitan Police that it will now require mandatory declaration of membership of Freemasonry as a declarable association, meaning that male and female officers and staff who are Freemasons will be compelled to inform the Met of this.

Whilst aware of recent concerns over police vetting procedures, UGLE considers this policy decision to be unlawful, disproportionate, unfair and discriminatory. 

UGLE has endeavoured to engage constructively and openly with the Met on this matter over recent weeks and is most disappointed that it has reached this decision without a genuine dialogue or any direct engagement with UGLE on the substantive reasons which affect the integrity and the positive regard in which our members are held.

Commenting on behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England, the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, Adrian Marsh said:

“We are disappointed that a decision which potentially affects our members has been taken without open or effective consultation.  Our values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service are paramount in Freemasonry and have never been of more importance.  We see this action as unwarranted, and we are carefully considering an appropriate response. We will issue a further statement in due course.”

So  the Metropolitan Police that it will now require mandatory declaration of membership of Freemasonry as a declarable association,

Why? Because they believe freemasons will look out for each other,

What about members of Golf Clubs? Everyone knows big business is done on the golf course, with people plotting and helping out their friends, but nope the Met do not need to to declare membership of a Golf Club.

What about Churches, a lot of Church communities are very tight, and help each other out, surely the Met would require someone to declair membership of those?

What about the Lions? The round Table?, the RAC, The AA, any hobby club, Fan club, band, choir, Scouts, Guides, St Johns, Charity Group, Family. Every group or association in the world could be said to be a group where two members may look out for each other or do favours.  Why has the Met got such a hatred for Freemasonry?

Who wants to bet that one of the powers that be in the Met was black balled?