On Tuesday, London's High Court rejected a legal challenge by the Freemasons against a new Metropolitan Police rule. The policy requires all officers and staff to declare whether they are or have been Freemasons. Judge Martin Chamberlain ruled the policy "serves a legitimate aim, maintaining and enhancing public trust in policing, and is proportionate." The judge said the challenge was not "reasonably arguable" and dismissed claims that the policy was discriminatory or "unduly stigmatising." The challenge was brought by four Masonic bodies and two serving police officers. It argued the rule creates a discriminatory "blacklist" that could be used unfairly in promotions, misconduct reviews, or vetting. Claire Darwin, representing the claimants, said, "The aim of the Metropolitan Police is to create a blacklist of Freemasons that they will then use to assess risk." The police oppose these claims. James Berry, for the Metropolitan Police, called the challenge "misconceived" and said the suggestion of a blacklist was "plainly wrong." He added that declaration data is kept confidential and there is "no evidence" of stigma or discrimination for those who declared membership. Introduced in December, the disclosure policy followed a 2021 independent panel review into the police's culture after failed probes into the 1987 murder of private detective Daniel Morgan. Though the review found no systemic corruption linked to Freemasonry, it noted public worry about hidden membership in police forces. Currently, about 400 officers and staff have declared if they are or were Freemasons. Freemasonry is a long-standing fraternal group that promotes charity, mutual support, and moral improvement through secretive rituals. Critics often link it with elite influence within institutions. However, Masonic groups say they are discreet, not secret.