Home Office raids of Chinatown

"The Assembly condemns the alleged heavy-handed approach taken by the Home Office through enforcement raids of Chinatown, most recently on 5 July 2018. A report in the Guardian notes that immigration officers clashed with protesting crowds, resulting in an elderly woman being taken to hospital. The woman was filmed as she lay down in front of an immigration van as crowds gathered.

The London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA’s) allegations are that enforcement actions often take place without a warrant, happen at peak hours of trading and are often heavy-handed and aggressive. A protest throughout Chinatown on 24 July 2018 demonstrated the deep concerns and feelings in London’s Chinese community against what they see as targeting by the Home Office.

The Assembly considers Chinatown to be a vital part of London’s economic and cultural success, and an important link with the emerging economies of Asia. To lose Chinatown would be a disastrous loss of a draw for tourism and business.

The Assembly resolves to write to the Home Secretary to raise concerns about the alleged tactics of Immigration officers and to ask that dialogue is opened up with the LCCA and other Chinese community groups on how best to enforce immigration rules.”