Plan for Change in Sandwell: 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 Plan for Change recognises that secure borders and cohesive communities are two sides of the same coin. In Sandwell, we are delivering both — a borough with a strong, proud record of welcoming those in need while investing in the community cohesion that makes integration work.
The Yemeni Community Association: 920 Lives Changed
One of the most powerful examples of integration in action is the work of the Yemeni Community Association (YCA), a Sandwell-based organisation that has supported approximately 920 migrants and refugees with practical integration support over the past twelve months alone.
The YCA provides peer mentoring, English language support for Arabic-speaking new arrivals, and a range of community connection services that help people move from uncertainty to stability. In recognition of this extraordinary work, the organisation has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour available to voluntary and community organisations in the UK.
Councillor Syeda Khatun, Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “This is a fantastic achievement… The council really values the association’s commitment.”
Smethwick: Community Cohesion at the Heart of Regeneration
The £20 million Plan for Neighbourhoods investment in Smethwick — part of the government’s £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme — has placed community cohesion at the very top of its priorities. Plans submitted in December 2025 reflect months of listening to local residents, with integration and shared community spaces featuring prominently in the regeneration agenda.
Alan Taylor, Smethwick Partnership Chair, said: “These plans reflect the voices of our communities — the places where people live and want to thrive together.
Council of Sanctuary: A Borough That Welcomes
Sandwell holds Council of Sanctuary status — a formal recognition of the borough’s commitment to being a place of welcome and safety for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. This status was achieved around 2023 and reflects a genuine, council-wide approach to integration that goes beyond symbolic gestures.
The Council of Sanctuary network brings together local authorities committed to ensuring that those fleeing persecution or hardship can find genuine support, access services without discrimination, and build a life in their new community. Sandwell’s participation is backed by active partnerships with voluntary organisations, faith groups, and community bodies across the borough’s six towns.
National and Local Working Together
Nationally, Labour has reduced net migration by 80%, made 60,000 returns, and introduced the Border Security Bill to strengthen controls. Locally, Sandwell is doing the work of ensuring those who are here are genuinely supported to integrate, contribute, and become full members of our community. The two levels of government are working in concert.
Read More
– National Plan for Change: Secure Borders
– Sandwell Council of Sanctuary
– Yemeni Community Association Queen’s Award
– Smethwick Plan for Neighbourhoods submission
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Economic Stability
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Breaking Down Barriers