Newham Council to Review Immigration Raid Assistance Policies
Newham Council has voted to review its policies regarding immigration raids, committing to not actively assist Home Office Immigration Enforcement wherever legally possible. The decision, stemming from Motion 6, Defending Newham as a Borough of Sanctuary: Ending Council Support for Immigration Raids
, was carried by the council following a proposal by Councillor Oli Rahman and seconded by Councillor Begum Sahera.
The motion mandates a comprehensive review of council policies, procedures, contracts, data-sharing arrangements, and information systems to identify where council services may currently facilitate immigration enforcement. The council will now develop a protocol for responding to Home Office requests, ensuring assistance is provided only where there is a clear legal obligation to do so.
The council also plans to work with Newham's refugee, migrant, anti-raids, legal, faith, trade union, and community organisations to establish a network providing residents with accessible information about their rights when approached by Immigration Enforcement. Furthermore, the council will explore the development of a Newham Anti-Raids and Sanctuary Partnership, bringing together community organisations, neighbouring councils, law centres, trade unions, faith groups, and elected representatives to coordinate support and share best practice.
The motion passed with 34 votes in favour, zero against, and 22 abstentions. The Mayor is expected to report back to the council within six months, setting out the findings of the review, existing cooperation and data-sharing arrangements with Immigration Enforcement, which arrangements can legally be ended or amended, the proposed council protocol for responding to immigration enforcement requests, and recommendations for strengthening Newham's Borough of Sanctuary commitments.
Newham Council has a history of challenging policies that negatively affect migrant communities, including the government's hostile environment
policies. The council's commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary was reaffirmed, emphasizing values of inclusion, openness, and support for all residents.
Motion 6, Defending Newham as a Borough of Sanctuary: Ending Council Support for Immigration Raids
outlines the specifics of the review and the council's commitments.
