Agenda item

8.44pm – Councillor Andrew Jones moved, seconded by Councillor Alan De’Ath, the special motion in their names:

“This Council calls on Prime Minister Theresa May MP and Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP not to pursue their proposal to force companies to list all of the foreign workers they employ.

This Council recognises such a scheme would be divisive. It would be highly damaging to our Country’s international reputation and to our economy. Even the suggestion of it has caused huge anxiety and upset to the thousands of foreign born citizens that have made Hammersmith & Fulham their home or workplace. That should be cause for regret by those who made it.

The Council notes the comments of the head of the British Chambers of Commerce who said such a move would amount to a "badge of shame".

Hammersmith & Fulham Council recognizes that our borough’s foreign born nationals have greatly enriched our community and thanks them for the businesses they’ve started, the hard work they undertake and the service they give to vital public services such as this Council and our local NHS.

The Council calls on Ms May and Ms Rudd to back away from such a xenophobic scheme and instead urges them to focus their attentions on delivering a strong economy that works for all and setting a tone that prioritises unity and belonging.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Andrew Jones, Alan De’Ath, Natalia Perez, and Sharon Holder (for the Administration).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Charlie Dewhirst moved, seconded by Councillor Joe Carlebach, an amendment to the motion as follows:

“Delete the title and insert “SUSTAINABLE MIGRATION”then delete everything after “This Council” and insert:

“…notes:

1.    That immigration has been good for this country; it has boosted our economy and enhanced our culture, but uncontrolled immigration is not in Britain’s interests.

2.    The Government’s consultation on measures to reduce net migration, while making sure we welcome and attract the brightest and best who contribute to the British economy.

3.    That the current plans will not require companies to publish lists of foreign workers.

The Council supports sustainable levels of migration – helping build confidence in our immigration system and preventing excessive pressures on our public services.”

Speeches on the amendment to the special motion were made by Councillors Charlie Dewhirst, Joe Carlebach, Viya Nsumbu, Andrew Brown, and Donald Johnson (for the Opposition), and Councillors Ben Coleman, Max Schmid, Caroline Needham, and Stephen Cowan (for the Administration). The amendment was then put to the vote.

FOR                            17

AGAINST                   23

NOT VOTING             1

The amendment was declared LOST.

Councillor Andrew Jones then made a speech on the substantive motion winding up the debate. The substantive motion was then put to the vote.

FOR                            23

AGAINST                    17

NOT VOTING             1

The substantive motion was declared CARRIED.

9.41pm – RESOLVED

This Council calls on Prime Minister Theresa May MP and Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP not to pursue their proposal to force companies to list all of the foreign workers they employ.

This Council recognises such a scheme would be divisive. It would be highly damaging to our Country’s international reputation and to our economy. Even the suggestion of it has caused huge anxiety and upset to the thousands of foreign born citizens that have made Hammersmith & Fulham their home or workplace. That should be cause for regret by those who made it.

The Council notes the comments of the head of the British Chambers of Commerce who said such a move would amount to a "badge of shame".

Hammersmith & Fulham Council recognizes that our borough’s foreign born nationals have greatly enriched our community and thanks them for the businesses they’ve started, the hard work they undertake and the service they give to vital public services such as this Council and our local NHS.

The Council calls on Ms May and Ms Rudd to back away from such a xenophobic scheme and instead urges them to focus their attentions on delivering a strong economy that works for all and setting a tone that prioritises unity and belonging.