Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to amend a 1971 law to enable the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the 73-year-old leader of the Rochdale grooming gang who was released from prison last week. Ahmed, known to his victims as 'Daddy', has already been stripped of his British citizenship, leaving him with only Pakistani nationality. However, existing rules under the Immigration Act 1971 prevented his removal because he is among a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago.
Plans to Amend the 1971 Law
According to reports, Mahmood will outline plans on Monday to change the legislation that currently blocks Ahmed's deportation. It remains unclear whether the changes will be introduced via separate fast-tracked legislation or as an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is scheduled for debate in the Commons on Monday. A Home Office minister indicated earlier this week that the government could consider emergency legislation.
Alex Norris, a Home Office minister, said 'all options are on the table' after the Conservatives urged the government to adopt an amendment to the Bill proposed by the shadow home secretary. Norris stated that the government would not give up in its efforts to deport Ahmed due to his 'heinous' crimes.
Ahmed's Conviction and Release
Ahmed was released on July 2 after serving 14 years of a 19-year sentence imposed in 2012 for rape and sexual offences against girls, some as young as 12. He was convicted as the ringleader of a grooming gang that exploited vulnerable children in Rochdale.
Challenges with Deportation
Since Ahmed's release, the government has been exploring ways to deport him. However, reports suggest that Pakistan might not accept Ahmed because he previously renounced his citizenship. A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed that the issue has been raised with officials in Islamabad.
