Duncan Barkes has condemned the Green Party's approach to illegal migration, describing their refusal to cooperate with Home Office immigration raids as a threat to British safety. Writing for the publication, Barkes argues that Zack Polanski's party prioritises open borders over the rule of law, branding their policies dangerous and out of touch with public opinion.
Green Party gains and policy shift
At last month's local elections, the Green Party under Polanski gained 441 additional councillors, bringing their total to 587, and now controls or leads councils in Waltham Forest, Hackney, Norwich, Hastings, and Lewisham. In Lambeth, the party holds the majority of seats despite no overall control. Lambeth Council recently commissioned an urgent review into sharing intelligence with immigration officers, coinciding with Refugee Week. Councillors expressed concerns that Home Office raids are "dividing communities" and "causing fears."
Councillor Bartley's stance
The review was commissioned by Councillor Jonathan Bartley, former Green Party co-leader (2016–2021), now Cabinet Member for Safer and Thriving Neighbourhoods at Lewisham Council. Bartley stated: "Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and we want all residents to feel safe, valued and able to engage with public services without fear. Immigration raids are causing fear and dividing Lambeth's communities. As Refugee Week begins, it is right that we take a careful and transparent look at how information is shared in relation to immigration enforcement activity." He added: "We need a clear picture of what is happening now, under what circumstances information is being shared, and whether current arrangements reflect the kind of borough we aspire to be." Bartley made clear in video comments that his council would not cooperate with immigration enforcement, arguing that many in Lambeth believe all migrants should be welcome and that the borough believes in "diversity, equality and inclusion."
Barkes' criticism
Barkes contends that while most people support a fair, inclusive society, that is not an excuse for breaking the law. He says Bartley's stance is out of step with the majority of Britons. Polls show immigration is a top-three issue for many voters, especially illegal migration and the failure of governments to stop small boat crossings. He cites a recent seizure of a yacht at Chichester Marina carrying seven suspected illegal migrants as evidence of ongoing attempts to enter the UK illegally.
Call for government intervention
Barkes argues that Lambeth's refusal to assist the Home Office in raids on properties or businesses employing illegal migrants is akin to aiding lawbreakers. He calls for the council to be put into special measures and under direct government control if it continues to obstruct enforcement. "We cannot afford to have a group of councillors refusing to co-operate with the government in its battle to curb illegal migration as it puts the public at risk – the council has an obligation to the law and to taxpayers to assist, not obstruct," he writes. He concludes that the Green Party's move shows they are "not only a dangerous political party but have zero interest in doing what is right in the eyes of the law or the British people."
