Lambeth Council Threatens Immigration Raid Obstruction, Green Activist Claims Public Safety Risk

A London council is threatening to obstruct Home Office immigration raids, with a Green Party activist claiming such efforts “make the public less safe.” This move by Lambeth Council could significantly undermine national immigration enforcement.

Jonathan Bartley, Lambeth Council’s “cabinet member for safer, thriving neighbourhoods,” has announced a review of the borough’s information-sharing arrangements with immigration enforcement. This decision follows a defence by Green Party activist Ashok Kumar regarding the council’s stance against assisting the Home Office.

Lambeth Council’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement

Councillor Bartley stated in a video on the council’s website that Lambeth residents “fear the knock on the door.” He claimed the area “is home to people from every corner of the world,” suggesting residents might avoid seeking council help if they believe the council cooperates with immigration enforcement.

This position was further elaborated by Ashok Kumar, who argued that the role of council officers, such as housing officers or social workers, is to provide services, not to enforce immigration laws. He likened it to not expecting a youth worker to be an immigration officer.

Green Party Activist Defends Council’s Position

“We don’t believe that cultures of fear that don’t allow people to come and seek services freely and openly.”

— Ashok Kumar, Green Party Activist

Ashok Kumar asserted that the council will not enforce Home Office dictates on immigration, claiming it “makes the public less safe.” He argued that such enforcement gives “mostly women fewer options when they’re victims of abuse or witnesses to crime,” suggesting that fear of deportation prevents individuals from reporting criminal activity.

Key Concerns Raised by Council’s Stance

• Lambeth Council is reviewing information-sharing with immigration enforcement, potentially hindering Home Office operations.
• Green Party activist Ashok Kumar claims deportation efforts “make the public less safe” by deterring crime reporting.
• Councillor Jonathan Bartley suggests residents “fear the knock on the door” and may avoid council services due to enforcement concerns.
• GB News host Emily Carver questioned if Lambeth intends to house illegal migrants without reporting them to the Home Office.
• The council’s position implies that immigration enforcement is not a priority for local services, despite national laws.

What This Means for Britain

This move by Lambeth Council sends a dangerous message to those who have entered Britain illegally, effectively creating a sanctuary zone within the capital. It means that your local council tax could be subsidising individuals who have broken our laws, diverting resources away from law-abiding citizens and families who desperately need support.

Economically, such policies undermine the rule of law, which is crucial for a stable and prosperous nation. If councils refuse to cooperate with national enforcement, it creates a parallel system that strains public services and infrastructure, ultimately impacting the cost of living for every British family.

Politically, this represents a direct challenge to the Home Office and the government’s ability to control our borders and enforce immigration laws. It sets a precedent where local authorities can unilaterally decide which national laws they will uphold, eroding trust in the establishment and making a mockery of our legal system.

The stakes are incredibly high. If this trend continues, Britain risks losing control of its borders and its sovereignty, with local councils dictating national policy. This cannot be allowed to stand; the integrity of our nation and the safety of our communities depend on consistent and robust enforcement of our laws.

This blatant disregard for national law and public safety must be seen by every British voter. Demand answers from your MP.

Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News