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Newham councillors say the council should help with immigration raids only when the law demands it
Councillors unanimously backed a motion saying the council should only help with raids when the law leaves it no choice.
Key facts
- Newham councillors voted unanimously for the motion at a full council meeting on Monday
- The council should help with raids only “where there is a clear legal obligation to do so”
- The motion says council resources should not otherwise be used to assist raids
- The council says the vote does not change its existing policy
Newham councillors have unanimously backed a motion saying the council should stay out of immigration raids unless the law requires its help. The vote was held at a full council meeting on Monday.
The Newham Independents group proposed the motion. Labour, Green and Newham Independent councillors all supported it. Under its terms, the council should co-operate with raids only “where there is a clear legal obligation to do so”. Outside that, the motion says, council staff, buildings and equipment should not be used to help. It adds that the council’s own workers should not be asked to take on the role of immigration enforcement.
Why Newham councillors backed the motion
Supporters said residents should be able to use public services without fear of immigration enforcement. According to the motion, enforcement activity can stop people from seeking help, particularly anyone who is vulnerable or at risk of exploitation. It describes Newham as one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK, with a long history of welcoming people in search of “a better life”.
What the vote means for Newham Council policy
The vote does not change council policy. Newham Council said the motion largely reflects how it already operates. A council spokesperson said it “does not, and has not for many years, supported immigration raids by the Home Office or any other agency”.
Councillors said the vote still sends a clear message that local authority resources should play no part in immigration enforcement unless the law requires it.
Councillors first backed plans for Newham to become a Borough of Sanctuary in 2023, and they reaffirmed that commitment earlier this year. The council says it is proud to be part of the network. Councils that sign up promise to help refugees and asylum seekers reach local services and support. Research by the think tank British Future also found that most Newham residents regard the borough’s diversity as a positive.
Key questions
What did Newham councillors vote for?
They unanimously backed a motion saying the council should not use its resources to help immigration raids unless the law requires it.
Who proposed the Newham immigration raids motion?
The Newham Independents group put it forward, and it won support from every party group on the council.
Will the vote change how Newham Council works?
No. The council said the motion largely reflects what it already does, and that it has not supported immigration raids for many years.
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