Council                                                          Agenda Item 30

 

Subject:                    Resisting Hostile Immigration Policies

 

Date of meeting:    23 July 2026

 

Proposer:                 Councillor Barton Ahmad

Seconder:                Councillor Goldsmith

 

Ward(s) affected:   All

 

Notice of Motion

 

Green Group

This Council notes:

 

  1. The current government’s immigration strategy, which represents a regressive and callous shift that targets vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are fleeing war, persecution and climate destruction.

 

  1. The recent counter-protests, which demonstrate that the vast majority of our city reject the far-right hate that drives these hostile immigration policies.

 

  1. Brighton and Hove’s longstanding status as a City of Sanctuary, recently recognised by the Council of Sanctuary award.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

  1.  Officially condemn the increase in immigration raids and the regressive settlement and asset-seizure policies put forward by the current Government, which can function as a form of State intimidation, dividing communities and instilling fear amongst our residents.

 

  1. Request a report to Cabinet which:
    1. outlines the council’s legal obligations when it comes to immigration enforcement;
    2. explores situations in which the Council can legally refuse to provide assistance to the Home Office or Immigration Enforcement teams - including via Council licensing and environmental health - to avoid council resources being used to facilitate raids wherever possible;
    3. outlines any data-sharing or service agreements with the Home Office that are in place, reviewing them wherever legally possible to reduce our complicity in creating a digital hostile environment and creating a clear firewall around Council services where this is in line with the Council’s legal obligations; and
    4. considers partnership working with organisations like Voices in Exile and local anti-raids groups to support migrant businesses and those targeted by raids to ensure they are aware of their legal rights in relation to immigration enforcement and raids.

 

Supporting Information:

Immigration raids - Guide for local councillors