Councils condemned for non-cooperation with the Home Office

In July this year, Lewisham Council became the first local authority in the country to refuse co-operation with Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark and Haringey Councils have all adopted the same position.

The London Assembly has today agreed a motion condemning the decision to refuse co-operation with Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

Keith Prince AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Immigration enforcement is a national responsibility and effective cooperation between local authorities and the Home Office is required to ensure the law is applied consistently and vulnerable people are protected, rather than adopting ridiculous activist-driven policies.

“Where a local authority changes its approach to working with the Home Office, it is reasonable to understand what operational impact that may have and to ensure responsibilities remain clear.”

The full text of the motion is:

“The Assembly notes:

On the 22nd of July 2026, Lewisham Council voted to refuse co-operation with Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

By doing this, they become the first local authority in the Country to do so. Following Lewisham Council’s lead, Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark and Haringey Councils all adopted the same position.

The policy means that these Councils intend to limit and in some cases block data sharing with the Home Office for Immigration Enforcement purposes and work with local activist groups to create an “anti-raids sanctuary corridor.

In the past, the Mayor has commented on Immigration Enforcement ‘Raids’ saying that they ‘cause fear and mistrust.’

This Assembly believes:

That Immigration Enforcement is a national responsibility that enforces national border security, tackling human trafficking and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.

Local Authorities should not obstruct actions by Immigration Enforcement operations or build political barriers that undermine the safety of the public or the rule of law.

Instead of adopting ridiculous activist-driven policies, London Boroughs must work with the Home Office and within the law to support the work of Immigration Enforcement.

This Assembly resolves to:

Condemn the decision of these Councils which refuse co-operation between them and Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

Direct the Chair of the Assembly to write to the Home Office asking for them to provide any operational concerns they have arising from the Councils’ decisions to refuse co-operation with Immigration Enforcement and call on the Mayor to join the Chair in writing to the Home Office.

Urge all London Boroughs to work co-operatively with Home Office Immigration Enforcement to enhance our national border security, tackle trafficking, and protect people from exploitation.

Affirm the Assembly’s support for lawful immigration enforcement, including intelligence-led operations targeting trafficking, exploitation, and organised crime.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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