Freemasons inquiry deferred

A powerful Commons committee has deferred examining Freemasons and the alleged influence of the secret society over the Establishment, writes Chris Blackhurst.

At a private meeting, the Home Affairs Select Committee postponed discussing an inquiry into the masons. As reported in the Independent last Saturday, Labour members of the committee have been pressing for an inquiry, on the back of long-held suspicions of corruption among masons in the police force and judiciary.

Labour is confident of support from at least one Tory on the committee to acquire the necessary majority to secure an inquiry. The subject of the masons was raised at the meeting but no decision was reached.