Brent Liberal Democrat leader, Paul Lorber, has written to Cllr Suresh Kansagra, Conservative Group leader, and his colleagues asking them to withdraw their motion tabled for debate at Full Council on Monday September 15th. The motion is titled 'Deterence, Integration and Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent'.
Lorber argues for withdrawal because of the motion’s potential to undermine good community relations. He told Wembley Matters, ' The last thing Brent needs is incitement to protest outside any of the local hotels used and make the poor people inside fear for their lives.'
The Conservative motion includes attempts to provide reassurance on ‘deserving genuine refugees’ but then focuses on ‘illegal immigration’, ‘deterrence’and local hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. Such hotels have of course come under right-wing attack in recent weeks.
Deterrence, Integration and Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent
Background:
Brent has seen growing pressures on its housing stock, primary care and policing, in part due to hotels used for those arriving by irregular channel crossings by boats.
Hotels are used by the Home Office to place asylum seekers and those who arrive through illegal routes. This burdens the wider public purse and taxpayers and may create resentment towards those who follow these illegal routes.
There is currently no clear policy to integrate people arriving illegally, leading to cultural tensions, fears and safety concerns. Although not in Brent, the high-profile case of sexual assault by a recent arrival has amplified public anxiety.
This Council Notes:
· Illegal immigrants increase the demand for emergency hotel accommodation, diverting resources from Brent residents in need.
· Brent households face extended waits for temporary housing while hotels remain filled with asylum claimants which could include those arriving by small boats.
· The answer is deterrence to stop the boats, faster decisions that ensure people are not waiting for clarity on their immigration status for long periods of time and firm humane returns for those with no right to remain.
· Safe and legal routes should exist for the most vulnerable, with clear caps linked to local capacity.
· Other European countries have adopted deterrent and processing measures without veering into extreme policy e.g.
Italy agreed with Albania to process arrivals in centres under Italian jurisdiction, moving decisions away from beach landings.
Denmark legislated for third country processing, explored partnership with Rwanda while seeking a path that fits with European rules.
The European Union has struck migration partnerships with Tunisia and Egypt to curb dangerous journeys upstream.
This Council Believes:
· Genuine refugees fleeing persecution deserve protection and swift humane processing.
· The integrity of our asylum system must be upheld by deterring dangerous journeys and prevent abuse of legal channels.
· Faster decision-making is required to process asylum claims and that people arriving illegally should be deported. Quick humane returns for those with no right to remain will restore public confidence.
· Those in genuine danger should be protected and shown the integrity of the system.
· That residents should not be made to subsidise national policy failures which result in inflated rental costs and overstretched public services.
· The Government has removed the Rwanda option without putting a credible solution to remove illegal immigrants in its place. This does not serve the national interest.
· If a workable model can cut the pull of illegal routes, a serious government should test it and be honest about results.
This Council therefore resolves:
(1) To publish data on the number of hotels used for asylum accommodation in Brent and, once they are granted leave to remain, the impact on the housing waiting list.
(2) To secure monthly data from the Home Office and an exit plan for hotel use in Brent with dates and milestones.
Councillor Suresh Kansagra Kenton Ward
The Liberal Democrats had composed their own motion for the Group Motions section of the Full Council Agenda before they had sight of the Conservative motion. Their motion takes a contrasting approach:
Standing United Against Racism and Xenophobia in Brent
This Council notes:
In recent years, particularly after the Brexit referendum, there has been a disturbing rise in racist and xenophobic rhetoric in public discourse, much of it amplified by political parties and figures on the far right and reactionary elements who seek to divide our communities. These groups have used inflammatory language, scapegoating migrants and minority communities, in a calculated attempt to stoke fear and resentment for political gain.
Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK. Over many decades, people from across the globe – from South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and beyond – have made their home here, contributing immensely to our local economy, public services, cultural life, and social fabric. Whether as NHS workers, teachers, carers, builders, artists, entrepreneurs, or community leaders, migrants have played a vital role in shaping modern Brent into the vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking borough it is today.
This Council believes:
· Racism, xenophobia, and all forms of bigotry must be challenged wherever and whenever they arise, including when they come from mainstream or elected political figures.
· The demonisation of immigrants and refugees not only undermines social cohesion but also endangers the safety and well-being of residents across Brent.
· Brent’s diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a strength to be celebrated.
This Council resolves to:
1. Proudly reaffirm Brent's commitment to being an inclusive, anti-racist borough, where all residents – regardless of background, nationality, or immigration status – are welcomed, valued, and protected.
2. Publicly condemn the racist and xenophobic rhetoric being spread by Reform UK and other groups on the far/right, and make clear that such divisive narratives have no place in our borough or our politics.
3. Celebrate the contributions of immigrants to Brent, through public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational initiatives that promote understanding, solidarity, and historical awareness.
4. Encourage all councillors and community leaders to speak out against hate speech and misinformation targeting migrants and to work proactively to build unity across all of Brent’s communities.
5. Continue to support migrant and refugee communities through council services, advocacy, and partnerships with local organisations working on inclusion, integration, and support.
Brent has always been stronger because of its diversity – not in spite of it. At a time when fear and hatred are being weaponised in national discourse, we in Brent choose a different path: one of solidarity, mutual respect, and pride in who we are as a borough. We reject the politics of division and instead embrace the values of justice, dignity, and equality for all.
Cllr Paul Lorber - Leader of the Brent Liberal Democrats
