Newham councillors have unanimously backed a motion calling on the council not to use its resources to support immigration raids except where it is legally required to do so.

Members voted in favour of the proposal at a full council meeting on Monday, arguing that residents should be able to access public services without fear of immigration enforcement.

The motion, put forward by the Newham Independents group, states that the council should only co-operate with immigration raids “where there is a clear legal obligation to do so” and should not actively assist operations through the use of council staff, buildings or equipment.

Read more: London council unanimously votes for motion to block resources in immigration raids