Green-Led London Council Moves to End Cooperation with UK Immigration Raids

LONDON: A Green Party-led council in London is preparing to vote on a proposal to prohibit cooperation with the UK Home Office on immigration enforcement raids, marking what party leaders describe as the first step toward creating a network of “sanctuary boroughs” across the capital.

Lewisham Council is expected to consider the motion next week after officials uncovered a 2023 email in which Home Office immigration enforcement officers sought assistance from the council’s food standards team in carrying out joint operational visits. The proposal would initiate a review of the council’s data-sharing arrangements, contracts, and operational practices to ensure they are not used to support immigration enforcement activities.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski welcomed the initiative, saying Green-controlled councils are committed to creating communities where migrants, regardless of their immigration status, can live without fear of immigration raids or deportation. The Greens, who secured control of several London boroughs in recent local elections, view the proposal as part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for undocumented migrants.

Lewisham has officially been a “sanctuary borough” since 2021, declaring its commitment to supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. If approved, the motion could also examine agreements with external organizations that have previously shared information with immigration authorities.

The UK Home Office defended its immigration enforcement operations, stating that workplace raids are intelligence-led and play an important role in tackling illegal employment and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. However, critics argue that such operations are resource-intensive and have only a limited impact on addressing unauthorized migration.

With the Green Party holding a commanding majority on Lewisham Council, the motion is widely expected to pass, potentially setting a precedent for other Green-led boroughs considering similar measures.