Freemasons To Showcase Modern Freemasonry After Judicial Review Application Turned Down

Published: 24 February 2026

The United Grand Lodge of England (“UGLE”), also acting on behalf of The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (all of which together represent Freemasonry in England, Wales, The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) announces that they will not be appealing against the judgment of Mr Justice Chamberlain which turned down their application for judicial review of the decision by the Metropolitan Police (the “Met”) to introduce a new policy it has added Freemasonry to its list of declarable associations.

Although the judgment contains some legal and factual errors, after taking legal advice, UGLE does not believe that an appeal would be in the best interests of Freemasonry.    

While acknowledging concerns over police vetting procedures, UGLE remains of the view that this decision is unfair and discriminatory against Freemasons and shows a fundamental misunderstanding of Freemasonry as it is today.

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest non-religious and non-political organisations, now including both men and women, focusing on personal development, moral integrity, and community service. Originating from medieval stonemason guilds, it brings members of various backgrounds together to share values of fellowship, charity, and mutual support through local lodges.  Freemasons aim to shape their lives round the four important values of integrity, friendship, respect and charity.

Pressure on the Met

UGLE understands the pressure on the Metropolitan Police Service (“MPS”), and other police and public services, to be more transparent in their vetting procedures, as part of their mandate to enforce law and order, reduce crime, and keep people safe across Greater London. Whilst their core mission focuses on building trust, maintaining high standards, and providing policing by consent, UGLE remains concerned about proportionality.

The Angiolini Inquiry (Part 2) is expected to make recommendations to HM Government on the disclosures required of police officers.  UGLE has made representations to the Inquiry encouraging a recommendation that any requirements to declare memberships of associations apply equally to all associations and do not discriminate against Freemasons.  UGLE has been working with the Inquiry to explain Freemasonry and how its principles reinforce the standards expected of public servants, and that it should not be the subject of discrimination. 

Important clarifications regarding the new policy

In the course of the Court proceedings the MPS has made some important and welcome clarifications regarding the new policy. It has undertaken to the Court that the declarations data it collects from Freemasons who work for it will: 

1. After collection by the local Professional Standards Unit and transmission to the Professionalism Integrity Assurance Unit, be stored confidentially and in such a manner that it is only accessible by 5 senior officers.
2. Only be “used where relevant to consider risk management measures e.g. to avoid or mitigate conflicts of interest, or for the purposes of criminal or misconduct investigations”. 

The MPS has also stated that officers and staff are free to become or remain Freemasons, and it confirmed during the Court hearing on 11 February 2026 that it has not started any disciplinary proceedings against officers or staff for failing to declare their Freemasonry.

Now that a decision has been reached that the declaration requirement is lawful, UGLE is encouraging any remaining members who have not yet made their declaration in the light of the uncertainty to do so promptly.

Comment from Adrian Marsh, Grand Secretary of UGLE

Adrian Marsh, Grand Secretary of UGLE, said 

Having sought to address the discriminatory impact of the Met’s decision through court proceedings, we will now redouble our work on showcasing what Freemasonry is today, its positive effect on society and the work it does for improving the lives of others.

Misconceptions, which have their roots in the past, remain and we have a duty to our members to address these and explain modern Freemasonry to the public.

We are immensely proud of the work our members do in supporting Freemasonry and their high standards and character, often countering external, negative stereotypes by highlighting that Freemasons are ordinary people making positive contributions to their communities.”