Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to outline legal changes on Monday, July 13, 2026, to enable the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, 72, was released from prison on July 2 after serving 14 years of a 19-year sentence for raping and abusing multiple young girls. He has been stripped of British citizenship, leaving him with only Pakistani nationality, but a 1971 law prevents the removal of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago.
Legal Loophole and Government Response
The Government has been exploring ways to deport Ahmed since his release. Mahmood is expected to detail how to close the loophole in the Immigration Act that currently blocks his deportation. It remains unclear whether the changes will come under fast-tracked legislation or as an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is due for debate in the Commons on Monday. A Home Office minister indicated last week that emergency legislation could be considered.
Ahmed, known as 'Daddy' to his victims, led a nine-strong group convicted of exploiting girls as young as 13 at Tasty Bites and another takeaway in Heywood from 2007. His convictions include two counts of rape, one sexual assault, trafficking, and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child.
Pakistan's Refusal and Diplomatic Challenges
Pakistan is not expected to accept Ahmed. Reports from last week suggest the country is demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange. Downing Street stated that the UK is 'exploring every available option,' including discussions with Pakistani authorities. Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said on Thursday: “Any removal requires co-operation from another country to accept an individual back. Previous governments have experienced similar challenges in other grooming gang cases.”
