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The
original motion submitted by the Hackney Independent Socialist
Group was amended and subsequently resubmitted as a joint motion
with the Labour Group
 
Following a debate
of the amended motion, it was put to the vote and unanimously
RESOLVED: That the motion as amended be CARRIED as set
out below.
 
Introduction
 
The previous Conservative
Government introduced its Hostile Environment policies to deter
migrants from coming to the UK, making life difficult for migrants
already in the UK, especially those without a confirmed immigration
status. Since 2012 migrants have endured and continue to face
discriminatory and exclusionary policies nationally. This policy
prevents the Government from fully acknowledging the positive
impact of migrant workers and communities. Migrants make economic
and cultural contributions which benefit us all, including, in the
London Borough of Hackney. Hackney - both as a Council and a place
- has a long and proud history of welcoming everybody, regardless
of their background, especially those fleeing conflict or harm in
hope of a better life. In recent years, the Council and its
residents have housed and helped hundreds of individuals and
families, including those from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, who
have fled some of the most devastating conflicts of our generation.
We join organisations like the Joint Council for Welfare of
Immigrants in the call for justice for all migrants. It is time to
end all hostile environment policies against all
migrants.
 
The new Labour Government has
started to address the serious problems for migrants, created by
the previous Government. For instance, it has scrapped the policy
of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda and closed the inhumane Bibby
Stockholm ship, housing asylum seekers. It has also committed to
speeding decisions on asylum applications and to establishing a
Windrush Commissioner who among other
matters will oversee delivery of long-delayed
compensation.
 
This
Council notes
1. 
That the hostile environment policies introduced in
2012 were designed to make life unbearable for those fleeing
violence, persecution, seeking sanctuary in the UK for themselves,
their dependents and families.
2. 
That hostile environment policies have deterred
migrants with and without status from accessing basic public
services such as healthcare and education, and stop people from
being able to report abuse at work or exploitative
landlords.
3. 
The hostile environment has made intimidating
immigration checks part of GP surgeries, hospitals, schools, places
of work and private housing, giving unacceptable border control
style duties to teachers, doctors, healthcare workers, employers
and landlords.
4. 
Those unable to prove their right to remain in the
UK are most affected, including and not limited to communities such
as the Windrush Generation, with some
Hackney residents being deported, many experiencing unnecessary
distress and some still due compensation. Hackney’s pride in
the Windrush Generation and horror at
the shameful scandal was the subject of a motion passed by Hackney
Council in July 2018, condemning the Conservative
Government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy. In the
years following, the Mayor of Hackney and lead cabinet member wrote
to the Home Secretary on three separate occasions to continue
pressing the importance of this issue.
5. 
That Home Office application visa fees are set at
many times the processing cost of applications, do not reflect the
economic challenges faced by millions across the country during
this cost of living crisis, and in fact deter many migrants from
taking a full and active role in this country’s democratic
processes.
6. 
The potential risks posed by the upcoming transition
to eVisas and the need to support
vulnerable people technology as part of this change.
7. 
Hackney Council’s Refugee, Asylum Seeker and
Migrant Service, has worked with over 800 people, delivered
multiple briefing sessions with residents on the transition, and is
working with colleagues in the Library service to offer support on
eVisas during Welcome Hub events. The
London Strategic Migration Partnership (LSMP) and Migration Team,
Communities and Social Policy (CSP) Unit at the GLA have also
shared information sessions for those working with voluntary and
community sector organisations.
8. 
The Mayor has a Cabinet Member who champions
refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and is the point of contact
for residents and organisations regarding support, campaigns and
solidarity that advocates for all migrants within the London
Borough of Hackney and beyond.
9. 
That the High Court, in 2023, found that the No
Recourse to Public Funds NRPF policy breached the “law of
humanity” and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human
Rights, this is the third time that NRPF has been deemed unlawful.
Hackney Council passed a motion in July 2023 on becoming a Borough
of Sanctuary, which stated its serious concerns about the Home
Office NRPF policy. Despite limitations presented by the policy,
Hackney Council continues to try to find ways to support people
with NRPF. For example, the Council has extended eligibility for
free school meals to include some children of those who have no
recourse to public funds.
10. 
That Hackney Council has signed up to the
Co-operative Party’s Charter against modern slavery to
proactively ensure modern slavery does not exist in its supply
chain. Hackney believes that everyone should ‘be able to live
a safe and happy life free from slavery and exploitation in all its
forms’.
 
This
Council believes:
 
11. 
That no person chooses to become undocumented and
live a life of hardship, intimidation and exclusion for themselves,
their families and dependants; there are many routes, reasons and
circumstances people find themselves without leave to remain or
confirmed immigration status. Many born and raised in the UK are
unaware of their status, some lose status by fleeing domestic
violence, abuse, modern slavery, trafficking to name a few; many
cannot afford the expensive Home Office visas and processing
fees.
12. 
That all people deserve to live a life free from
violence, fears of deportation and exclusion. Instead they should
achieve full integration, a warm welcome and a sense of
belonging.
13. 
That the new Labour Government has the power to
finally scrap and abolish all of the hostile environment policies
that are affecting migrant residents, their children, families,
carers, dependants and entire communities in Hackney and further
afield.
14. 
To ensure that Hackney continues to position itself
as a beacon of hope, equity and fair play to migrant communities,
operating as a model of inclusivity and understanding for those who
come to make the UK their home. To that end, the Mayor and Cabinet
Lead will lobby the Secretary of State for the Home Office to
request:
 
a. 
An end to the hostile environment policy,
including:
· 
Developing a standardised online training for all
GPs registration teams to improve understanding of registration
policies and ensure no one is turned away from accessing health
care.
 
b. 
To undertake an immediate full review of all Home
Office visas and residence processes fees which are found to be
disproportionate to actual processing costs and are a primary
economic barrier for thousands of residents in Hackney and millions
across the UK.
c. 
Restore order to the asylum system so it operates
swiftly, firmly and fairly.
d. 
To expand the funding awarded to local authorities
for their work supporting migrants directly, as well as local
migrant support organisations who deliver key services and
immigration legal advice for migrant communities.
e. 
To call on the Government to set out their plans for
the legal aid system at the earliest opportunity to ensure people
across the UK can access justice whatever their income,
particularly those who are victims of trafficking and modern
slavery.
 
15. 
To work to ensure that the migrant support offers to
individuals, communities and third party organisations, continues
to meet the needs of the community.