LONDON

A legal challenge against the UK police's decision to force staff to declare whether they are or have been Freemasons has been dismissed by the High Court.

Justice Chamberlain turned down permission for a judicial review on all grounds, ruling that none of the claims—which included allegations of discrimination and breaches of the Human Rights Act—were “reasonably arguable.”

In his Tuesday ruling, the judge stated that the Metropolitan Police (Met) disclosure requirement “serves a legitimate aim, maintaining and enhancing public trust in policing, and is proportionate.”

The legal action was brought by three bodies representing Freemasons across England, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, alongside two serving police officers who are members of the organization.

The dispute follows a December announcement by the Met that membership in the Freemasons or similar groups would be added to its declarable associations policy.

Under the new rules, officers and staff must declare "past or present" membership of any organization that is hierarchical, maintains confidential membership, and requires members to support and protect each other.

Approximately 350 Met officers and staff have already made declarations under the policy since its inception.

The Met welcomed the judgment, having stated they were prepared to "robustly defend" the policy in court.

Met Commander Simon Messinger said in a statement that the change was driven by feedback highlighting concerns that such involvement could "compromise impartiality or create conflicts of loyalty."

“Both victims of crime and those reporting wrongdoing must have trust and confidence there is no risk that investigations are tainted by such issues,” Messinger said. “We have prioritized this over any organization's desire to maintain secrecy.”