Freemasons ‘are blocking reforms in police force’

FREEMASONS are blocking root and branch reform of policing, the outgoing leader of frontline officers has said.

Steve White said their influence was thwarting the progress of women and those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. He said he was concerned about the influence of the secretive organisation – of which scores of officers are believed to be members.

Mr White, who stepped down as head of the Police Federation yesterday, was worried members could put their own interests above that of the public. He added: ‘What people do in their private lives is a matter for them. When it becomes an issue is when it affects their work.

‘There have been occasions when colleagues of mine have suspected Freemasons have been an obstacle to reform.’

In an interview with the Guardian, Mr White suggested some key figures in regional Police Federation branches were Masons.

He said: ‘Some female representatives were concerned about Freemason influence in the Federation.

‘The culture is something that can either discourage or encourage people from ethnic minorities or women from being part of an organisation.’

The Masons deny any negative influence. Mike Baker, of the United Grand Lodge, said Freemasonry was open to all, the only requirement being ‘faith in a supreme being’.

‘Concerned about their influence’