The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has issued a statement responding to press coverage regarding Metropolitan Police disclosure statistics and the controversial policy affecting Freemasons.
UGLE acknowledged that many Freemasons have complied with the policy, noting that most members are proudly open about their membership. However, the organisation expressed serious concern about members who wish to maintain their privacy:
“Those hardworking and honourable men and women that wish to keep their Freemasonry private are being threatened with disciplinary sanction.”
The statement characterises the policy as “discriminatory, unlawful, and wrong, in violation of their right to privacy.”
UGLE’s Position
The organisation maintains that Freemasonry is a law-abiding group with a proud history of community service and equality advocacy. UGLE has announced it is awaiting a court ruling on an injunction application and plans to pursue judicial review arguments challenging both the policy’s substance and the decision-making process that led to its implementation.
This follows the legal action commenced in December 2025, when UGLE, along with The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, initiated judicial review proceedings against the Metropolitan Police.
Source: United Grand Lodge of England