Plan for Change in Barnet: Secure Borders
Labour is serious about border control. We will deliver a fair immigration system, one that serves our national interest, and restores common sense and control to our borders.
The national Labour Plan for Change on Secure Borders is about more than border management — it is about ensuring that those who arrive in our communities are properly supported, integrated, and able to contribute. In Barnet, this twin commitment is embodied in a comprehensive programme of sanctuary, integration, and community cohesion work.
Borough of Sanctuary
In May 2024, Barnet Council was formally accredited as a Borough of Sanctuary — a recognition earned through years of practical work welcoming and supporting asylum seekers and refugees. The accreditation reflects a borough-wide commitment spanning the council, schools, faith organisations, and community groups.
As Cabinet Member for Equalities Cllr Zahra Beg has stated, the borough aims to “make Barnet a place of welcome for all those seeking sanctuary.” This ambition is backed by concrete action, as set out in the Barnet Borough of Sanctuary Strategy 2023–26.
Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The scale of Barnet’s commitment is significant. As of February 2025, 1,508 people — including 272 children — were housed in five Home Office hotels in the borough, according to the Barnet Post. The council works with partners including New Citizens Gateway and the Persian Advice Bureau to provide outreach, advice, and integration support.
Since 2021, Barnet has resettled 166 Afghan families and supported 2,070 Ukrainians through the Homes for Ukraine scheme — with an impressive 55% of Ukrainian guests choosing to remain in Barnet long-term. These outcomes reflect genuine community welcome, not just temporary accommodation.
Community Cohesion and Integration
The Towards a Fairer Barnet Roadmap 2024–30 sets a long-term framework for community cohesion. Practical work includes:
- The Community Listening Programme, engaging 30+ organisations including minority community groups
- Cohesion Conversations — structured dialogue between communities
- Hate Crime Awareness Week 2024 and ongoing hate crime reduction work
- The Migref Health Project (2025–27), a [Middlesex University-partnered](https://www.mdx.ac.uk/news/2025/11/migref-health-project/) initiative supporting migrant wellbeing through community assets
Linking to National Milestones
Nationally, the Plan for Change has reduced net migration by 80% and strengthened border security through the Border Security Bill. Alongside those national measures, it is essential that communities across Britain have the support and tools to integrate those who are here. In Barnet, that local work is already well under way.
Read More
- Labour’s Plan for Change: Secure Borders
- Barnet Borough of Sanctuary Strategy 2023–26
- Our Plan for Barnet Review 2025/26
- Middlesex University Migref Health Project
- Barnet Post — asylum seekers in hotels
- Barnet Labour — Community and Equalities
- Barnet Council — Refugees and Asylum