Green councillors in Lewisham, south London, are set to vote on a motion that would end cooperation with the Home Office on immigration raids, a move intended to create U.S.-style "sanctuary boroughs." The proposal, if passed, would prohibit council officials from assisting immigration enforcement in identifying businesses employing individuals without legal status in the UK.
The motion comes after the discovery of an email from an immigration enforcement official requesting assistance from Lewisham Council's food standards team for "joint operational visits" and the sharing of findings related to illegal workers. Green Party leader Zack Polanski expressed pride in "brave, compassionate Green councils" working to establish a "corridor of sanctuary" where residents do not fear being removed from their homes.
This initiative mirrors the concept of "sanctuary cities" in the United States, where local administrations have limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Green Party's ambition is to create a "green crescent" of such "sanctuary boroughs" across London.
The Home Office stated that immigration enforcement maintains a "collaborative relationship" with Lewisham Council and defended its efforts to "fight criminals who fuel immigration crime" through intelligence sharing with local authorities. The email in question, dating from 2023, specifically sought help in identifying restaurants employing undocumented workers.
Lewisham Council, where the Green Party holds 40 out of 54 seats, is expected to pass the motion. The vote is scheduled for next Wednesday. The City of Sanctuary movement, which designates local authorities as welcoming environments for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, previously named Lewisham a "sanctuary borough" in 2021.
Nearby Lambeth Council has also announced its intention to withdraw cooperation with immigration enforcement. Jonathan Bartley, Lambeth's cabinet member for thriving neighbourhoods, suggested that raids "cause fear and divide communities" and called for a review of information-sharing practices.
In contrast, Kevin Hollinrake MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party, criticized the Green Party's stance as an "open borders agenda" that obstructs law enforcement. He argued that local authorities should focus on "bread-and-butter issues" like cleaner streets and safer parks rather than hindering immigration enforcement efforts.
Data from the Home Office indicates a significant increase in immigration raids since the 2024 election. In the 18 months preceding January, 12,322 arrests for illegal working were made, a substantial rise from the 6,725 arrests in the prior 18 months. Businesses frequently targeted include nail salons, car washes, barbers, and convenience stores.