Seven London councils refuse to aid Home Office immigration raids
Newham becomes latest borough to pass motion limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement operations.
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At least seven London local authorities have declared they will not cooperate with Home Office immigration enforcement. Newham Council, in east London, became the latest to adopt this stance last week, passing a motion that commits the borough to only assisting immigration raids when legally obligated. This decision follows similar moves by Lewisham, Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark, and Haringey councils over the summer.
Newham's decision details
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The motion passed unanimously by Newham councillors states that the town hall should not actively assist immigration operations through the use of council staff, buildings, or equipment. This means the council will limit, or potentially block, data sharing with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes. The council also plans to work with local activist groups to establish what it terms a 'sanctuary corridor' for migrants. The move comes as London recorded 2,715 illegal working raids in 2025, more than any other region in Britain.
Background to the policy shift
Green-led Lewisham Council was the first to implement a non-cooperation policy in July. Its motion included a review of local authority data-sharing and service agreements, pledging not to use resources or public funds for immigration enforcement. The five other boroughs that have since adopted similar policies received assistance from the Migrant Champions Network. This organisation, established in 2022 by councillors from Islington and Oxford, aims to challenge 'hostile environment' immigration policies.
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Southwark Council leader James McAsh stated he had worked for several years to minimise cooperation with the Home Office. He described a past system where councils paid for Home Office staff to be embedded within local authorities, a practice he argued was presented as beneficial but led to instances where individuals seeking support had their immigration status flagged for removal. Mr McAsh said, 'I don't believe migration is a crime.'
London Assembly's response
In contrast to the borough councils, the London Assembly passed its own motion last month condemning the refusal of cooperation. The Assembly's motion stated that immigration enforcement is a national responsibility essential for border security, tackling human trafficking, and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation. It argued that local authorities should not obstruct immigration enforcement operations or create political barriers that undermine public safety or the rule of law. Reform UK London Assembly member Keith Prince, who proposed the motion, said effective cooperation is required to ensure the law is applied consistently and vulnerable people are protected.
A Home Office spokesperson commented that while visits are intelligence-led, the department makes 'no apology' for working with local authorities to enable information sharing and 'fighting criminals who fuel immigration crime'.
What happens next
It is unclear if further London councils will adopt similar non-cooperation policies. The Home Office has indicated it will continue its enforcement activities and collaboration with local authorities where legally mandated.
Questions this report answers
+Which London councils are refusing to cooperate with Home Office immigration raids?
At least seven London councils have stated they will refuse to cooperate with Home Office immigration enforcement. These include Newham, Lewisham, Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark, and Haringey. They have passed motions to limit or cease active assistance with immigration raids.
+What does this refusal to cooperate mean in practice?
Councils that refuse cooperation will limit or block data sharing with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes. They will also refrain from actively assisting operations using council staff, buildings, or equipment, unless legally obligated to do so.
+What is the Migrant Champions Network?
The Migrant Champions Network was established in 2022 by councillors from Islington and Oxford. It aims to push back against 'hostile environment' immigration policies and has assisted several London councils in drafting motions to reduce cooperation with the Home Office.
+How has the London Assembly responded to these council decisions?
The London Assembly passed its own motion condemning the stance of councils refusing cooperation. The Assembly stated that immigration enforcement is a national responsibility and that local authorities should not obstruct operations or undermine public safety and the rule of law.
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