Shabir Ahmed, the 73-year-old ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, should be deported immediately without legal delays, according to JJ Anisiobi. Ahmed, convicted in 2012 of multiple rape and sexual offences against vulnerable girls, has been stripped of British citizenship but remains a Pakistani citizen. The Home Office plans to release him under strict licence conditions, including supervised accommodation and a ban from entering Rochdale, which Anisiobi calls an inadequate punishment for his victims.
Legal Hurdles to Deportation
Anisiobi criticises the Immigration Act 1971 for preventing Ahmed's removal, arguing that the law should be changed to allow deportation of foreign nationals convicted of severe crimes. He notes that victims were led to believe Ahmed would be removed from Britain, but legal provisions now block that outcome. Anisiobi urges Parliament to review the law, stating that if the current framework prevents deportation of such offenders, it no longer reflects British public values.
Political Will and Precedent
Anisiobi points to past government resistance to European Court of Human Rights rulings on prisoner voting as an example of political will. He acknowledges that Labour has increased foreign criminal deportations by around 40 percent since taking power, but argues that public judgment is based on individual cases like Ahmed's. He stresses that while the UK has many domestic predators, the government should use all lawful powers to remove foreign offenders.
Victims' Justice and Law Reform
The victims of the Rochdale grooming gang deserve justice and protection, Anisiobi asserts. If the law stands in the way of deportation, it is the law that needs changing, not the victims' expectations. He calls for common-sense measures to ensure such offenders cannot remain in the country.
Andy Burnham's Funding Gap
Anisiobi also comments on Andy Burnham's defence spending commitment, which has reportedly left a funding gap of almost £5 billion. He suggests that Burnham faces a political trap: if he waters down the pledge, he will be accused of betraying security; if he keeps it, he must find billions through taxes, borrowing, or cuts. Anisiobi describes this as a Machiavellian move by Keir Starmer, showing tactical cunning that was absent during Starmer's own premiership.
Nigel Farage's Wealth and Authenticity
Anisiobi questions Nigel Farage's authenticity as a working-class voice, citing his £5 million donation from a crypto billionaire, multiple property purchases in Kent, and a £270,000 payday for 12 hours of promoting gold bullion. He warns against mistaking good rhetoric for lived experience, urging people to think twice before believing wealthy politicians who claim to understand ordinary struggles.
Labour's Cabinet Gender Split
Anisiobi rejects demands for a 50/50 gender split in Labour's next Cabinet, arguing that jobs should go to the most capable individuals regardless of sex. He criticises Labour for focusing on diversity while failing to elect its first female leader through a competitive contest, suggesting Andy Burnham should earn the leadership democratically.
Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon Outfit
Anisiobi praises Naomi Osaka for her Wimbledon outfit, which respected the all-white dress code while incorporating a kimono-inspired design celebrating her Japanese heritage. He calls it a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, injecting personality and fresh energy into the tournament, despite potential criticism from purists.
