GLA condemns Green‑led boroughs for refusing immigration raid cooperation
The motion, tabled by Havering leader Keith Prince, criticised six Green‑run councils that have stopped assisting Home Office searches, while the Home Office reported sharp rises in arrests and raids.
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Greater London Authority members voted to adopt a motion that condemns six Green‑run boroughs for declining to assist Home Office immigration raids, the London Assembly recorded on 14 September 2026. The motion, introduced by Havering Council leader Keith Prince, called on all councils to work with the Home Office to protect borders and vulnerable people.
Green‑led boroughs’ refusal to assist
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The six councils, Lewisham, Hackney, Haringey, Lambeth, Southwark and Waltham Forest, have each announced that they will no longer help immigration officers conduct searches in local businesses or other premises. Lewisham made the decision in July, and the others followed its example later in the year.
Immigration enforcement is a national responsibility
Keith Prince, Havering Council leader
Waltham Forest Council leader Paul Perkins said the borough remains committed to being a sanctuary for migrants and refugees, and that the council is reviewing its legal obligations regarding cooperation with immigration enforcement. He noted that only Green and Liberal Democrat members of the GLA voted against the motion.
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Home Office reports surge in enforcement
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that enforcement activity has risen sharply since the Labour government took office in July 2024, noting an 83% increase in arrests for illegal work and a 77% rise in raid operations between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2025. The spokesperson said all raids are intelligence‑led and that the department will continue to work with local authorities.
Political reactions
Conservative London Assembly member Emma Best described the non‑cooperation policy as “ridiculous” and warned that it creates pathways for people who are in the country unlawfully. She argued that immigration is a community issue that affects everyone, regardless of how long they have lived in the area.
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants criticised the raids, saying they generate fear and divide communities. In contrast, Waltham Forest Migrant Action welcomed the council’s sanctuary stance and said it aims to build a safe, inclusive environment for all residents regardless of status.
Future actions
The motion carries no legal force but signals the Assembly’s expectation that councils will share information with the Home Office. Waltham Forest indicated it will complete its review of statutory duties in the coming months, while the other Green‑led boroughs have not announced any change to their current policy.
Questions this report answers
+What did the GLA motion say about the Green‑led boroughs?
The motion condemned six Green‑run councils for refusing to help Home Office immigration raids and urged all local authorities to cooperate with the department to protect borders and vulnerable people, according to the London Assembly record.
+Which boroughs have stopped assisting Home Office searches?
Lewisham, Hackney, Haringey, Lambeth, Southwark and Waltham Forest have all announced that they will no longer help immigration officers conduct searches in their areas, following Lewisham’s July announcement.
+What changes in enforcement activity did the Home Office report?
The Home Office said illegal‑working arrests rose by 83% and raid operations increased by 77% between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2025, noting that all raids are intelligence‑led and that enforcement has reached its highest level in recent history.
+What are the next steps for the councils involved?
Waltham Forest Council said it will review its statutory duties and its stance on cooperation in the coming months. The motion itself is not binding, but it signals the Assembly’s expectation that councils will share information with the Home Office.
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