Secret deal protects PSNI members of Orange Order

PSNI boss Hugh Orde has terminated the process compelling PSNI members to declare their membership of secret organisations such as the Orange Order after striking a deal with two PSNI men and the Freemasons, who had instigated legal proceedings against the move.

The revelation that the PSNI will not enforce the recommendation contained in the Patten Report came on Thursday 11 November, when PSNI members, Michael Walker and Martin Whittle, and the Grand Lodge of Freemasons, withdrew judicial reviews into Orde's General Order 17/2004, which told PSNI members they must declare membership of secret societies.

The deal is the subject of controversy, as it was made behind closed doors and no details of the agreement have been publicised.

The then RUC and its successor, the PSNI, opposed the Registration of Notifiable Memberships recommendation made in the Patten Report that they declare their membership of societies such as the Orange Order, Apprentice Boys, the Royal Black Institute and the Freemasons. The AOH and the Knights of Columbanus were also subject to the recommendation.

When Orde attempted to enforce the recommendation through General Order 17/2004, the Police Federation opposed the move and supported Walker and Whittle in their legal fight against the move.