Seven London councils refuse Home Office immigration raids

At least seven London local authorities have stated they will no longer cooperate with Home Office immigration enforcement operations. Newham Council, in east London, unanimously agreed a motion last week that the authority will only assist immigration raids where there is a clear legal obligation. This policy means the council will limit or block data sharing with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes and will not actively use council staff, buildings, or equipment to support such operations.

Councils adopting non-cooperation policy

Newham Council joins Lewisham, Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark, and Haringey in adopting a non-cooperation stance. Lewisham Council was the first to pass a motion in July, which included a review of local authority data-sharing and service agreements. The Migrant Champions Network, established in 2022 by councillors from Islington and Oxford, helped draft the motions passed by these London councils. This network aims to push back against what it describes as hostile environment policies.

Southwark leader James McAsh stated he had worked for years to minimise cooperation with the Home Office. He recalled an instance where a person seeking support for a disability had their immigration status flagged, leading to the printing of a removal notice. Although the notice was later found to be illegal, Mr McAsh highlighted this as a reason for his political stance against treating migrants as criminals.

Home Office response and London Assembly concerns

Businesses in London experienced 2,715 illegal working raids in 2025, a figure higher than any other region in Britain. A Home Office spokesman said that while visits are intelligence-led, the department makes "no apology" for working with local authorities to enable information sharing and "fighting criminals who fuel immigration crime."

In contrast, the London Assembly passed its own motion last month condemning the stance of some councils. The Assembly stated that immigration enforcement is a national responsibility crucial for border security, tackling human trafficking, and protecting vulnerable people. Reform UK London Assembly member Keith Prince, who proposed the motion, argued that effective cooperation between local authorities and the Home Office is necessary for consistent law application and public safety, criticising what he called "ridiculous activist-driven policies."