Green-led council set for showdown over immigration raids

A Green-led London council is preparing for a high-profile clash with the Home Office by voting on plans to end cooperation with immigration enforcement operations, setting the stage for a wider political battle over migration policy across the capital.

Lewisham councillors will decide next week whether to review council systems, data-sharing arrangements and contracts with the aim of preventing officials from assisting immigration raids targeting people without the right to remain in the UK.

Email Sparks Fresh Political Row

The proposal follows the discovery of a 2023 Home Office email asking Lewisham officials to help with "joint operational visits". The correspondence suggested immigration enforcement wanted closer links with council teams, including the sharing of information that could support enforcement activity.

Green councillors argue the findings justify a wholesale review of how the authority works with central government on immigration matters, particularly where council-held data could be used during enforcement operations.

Greens Push 'Sanctuary' Strategy

The move forms part of a broader Green Party ambition to create a network of "sanctuary boroughs" across London. Party leader Zack Polanski said Green-run councils wanted to ensure migrants could live without fear of immigration enforcement in the communities they call home.

The Greens now control several London boroughs after strong local election gains, capitalising on discontent among some progressive voters over Labour's tougher stance on immigration.

Home Office Defends Enforcement Drive

The Home Office rejected criticism of its approach, saying it works collaboratively with local authorities and that immigration enforcement operations are intelligence-led. Ministers argue joint working helps tackle criminal networks that exploit illegal migration.

Since Labour entered government, workplace immigration raids have risen sharply, with ministers reporting significant increases in both inspections and arrests compared with the previous administration.

Battle Over Borders Moves to Town Halls

Supporters say workplace enforcement deters employers from hiring people without permission to work. Critics argue the operations are resource-intensive and make only a limited impact given the scale of irregular migration.

With Greens holding a commanding majority on Lewisham Council, the motion is expected to pass. If approved, it could become the blueprint for other Green-led authorities seeking to challenge the Home Office's immigration enforcement strategy, opening a new front in Britain's increasingly polarised migration debate.

Green-led council plans to ban cooperation with Home Office on immigration raids