Southwark Council has formally called for an end to immigration raids, reaffirming its commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary. The Council Assembly, meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, adopted a motion that explicitly states the council will not share discretionary information with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes. This includes a commitment to reviewing council systems, processes, contracts, data-sharing arrangements, and service agreements to identify and end any other discretionary assistance with immigration enforcement.
This move comes amid growing concern about the increasingly hostile and racist atmosphere surrounding migration in British politics.
The council noted a sharp increase in Home Office immigration enforcement activity, with a 77% rise in visits and an 83% increase in arrests reported between July 2024 and December 2025.
The motion further resolves to ensure that nobody in Southwark faces immigration enforcement alone.
The council pledged to work with local organisations, including the Southwark Refugee Communities Forum, migrant and refugee organisations, the voluntary and community sector, faith groups, and specialist advice organisations, to provide clear information about rights, routes to advice, and support following raids, particularly for vulnerable children and adults.
Additionally, the council committed to making the protection of established migrant and refugee communities from displacement a priority. This involves making protection from displacement part of Southwark's commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary, requiring the impact on established migrant and refugee communities—including the loss of family, school, faith, cultural, and support networks—to be considered in relevant housing, regeneration, and neighbourhood decision-making. The council will also work with affected communities and the voluntary and community sector to identify practical measures to reduce displacement and preserve community networks.
Southwark Council also resolved to work with neighbouring boroughs, London Councils, and the Mayor of London to build a Sanctuary Corridor
across London, aiming for common commitments on data sharing, cooperation with immigration enforcement, and access to essential services.
The motion also called for the defence of child protection and social care from immigration enforcement. The council resolves to make formal representations during the passage of the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026 against measures that would make access to essential support for children and families dependent on immigration compliance, or allow immigration status or enforcement objectives to override decisions based on a child's needs, welfare, and best interests. It urged the government to end immigration raids and reject what it termed racist and dehumanising rhetoric.
Further details on the council's meeting and reports can be found in the Public reports pack and the Printed minutes.
