Seven London boroughs adopt sanctuary stance, refusing immigration enforcement cooperation

Seven London boroughs—Newham, Lewisham, Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark and Haringey—have adopted policies that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement, including refusing to share data, staff or premises with the Home Office. Newham’s council unanimously approved a motion to assist raids only when the law explicitly demands it and is working with campaign groups to establish a “sanctuary corridor” for migrants.

The shift follows dramatic Green Party gains in the May local elections, which saw the Greens become the largest party or take control in these councils, ending long-standing Labour dominance. Analysts attribute the change to demographic voting patterns and a Green strategy to court migrant voters. Critics argue the sanctuary approach could undermine national immigration law and call for legislation to compel council compliance.