In conspiracy circles, “Freemason” and “Illuminati” are often used interchangeably to refer to the “new world order”, the shadowy cabal of powerful figures who supposedly direct global affairs.
Beyond a shared interest in ritual and symbolism, however, there is no clear connection between freemasonry and the Illuminati, a short-lived order founded in 18th century Bavaria. The association of the two may have arisen because Illuminati recruited many members from Masonic lodges, Vox reports.
Although the order’s rules prohibit Freemasons from using their membership for personal or professional gain, their influence in the UK’s public institutions - particularly the justice system - has been questioned.
Freemasons were back in the news recently after reports that two lodges are operating in the heart of Westminster, with MPs among their members.
The suggestion that politicians, judges and police could be members of the secretive society has long raised concerns about transparency and nepotism.
Shortly after stepping down as Police Federation chairman in December 2017, Steve White told The Guardian that reforms to policing culture, including better representation of women and ethnic minorities, were being obstructed by Freemasons in the force. “The people who blocked progress at the Police Federation were all Masons... and they were all a pain in the arse,” White said.
“Concerns have been expressed about the Masons’ impact upon the make-up of the force for several decades,” says Vice News.
iNews says “up to ten MPs and around 200 judges and policemen are paid-up Masons”, with these pillars of the British establishment joined by hundreds of civil servants and councillors.
