Newham Council is set to debate motions concerning immigration and its status as a borough of sanctuary. The council aims to address challenges in supporting immigrants and refugees through investment in public services and clear communication based on facts, attributing pressures on housing, healthcare, and services to over a decade of austerity and underfunding rather than immigration.
The Newham Council meeting on Monday, 8 December 2025, addressed a range of important issues, including motions related to immigration and the borough's commitment to being a sanctuary for those in need. The meeting, held at the Old Town Hall in Stratford, also covered other council matters, as outlined in the Agenda frontsheet.
Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care and Transforming Newham for the Future, proposed a Labour Group motion reaffirming Newham as a Borough of Sanctuary and advocating for responsible immigration policies. The motion seeks to promote a balanced approach to immigration, support those fleeing persecution, and challenge misinformation. Councillor Sabia Kamali seconded the motion, emphasising the contributions of migrants to Newham's diverse community.
Migrants have never been a burden. Migrants have always contributed,
said Councillor Kamali, highlighting their role in the NHS, schools, and the local economy.
The Labour Group motion outlines specific actions the council will take to support refugees and asylum seekers. These include reaffirming Newham's status as a Borough of Sanctuary, promoting a balanced approach to immigration that supports those fleeing prosecution, writing to MPs representing Newham constituencies to advocate in parliament, communicating with members of the Lords, and requesting that the Mayor write to neighboring local authorities and work with colleagues in the Local Government Association. The council also intends to use the work of the Commission for Integration and Community Cohesion and British Futures to provide a platform and framework.
Other councillors, including Councillor Areeq Chowdhury and Councillor Terence Paul, spoke in favour of the motion, stressing the importance of treating refugees with dignity and addressing the root causes of displacement. The motion was carried, reaffirming Newham's commitment to being a welcoming place for those seeking refuge.
The Labour Group motion advocates for a responsible immigration system that strengthens social cohesion, provides community stability, and unites newcomers and existing residents. It also calls for challenging disinformation and misinformation. The specific differences from current policies are not detailed in the provided text.
