Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce plans on Monday to close a legal loophole that currently prevents the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. The loophole, contained in the Immigration Act 1971, exempts Commonwealth citizens who arrived in Britain before 1973 from removal. Ahmed, now around 75, has lived in the UK for over 60 years.
Government confident on domestic fix, but Pakistan reluctant
A government source told The Telegraph: “We are confident that there is a fix to deal with the domestic side of it, but it is now down to the FCDO negotiations with Pakistan that will decide if [Ahmed] stays in the UK.” Pakistan has indicated it may refuse to accept Ahmed, arguing that he is not a Pakistani national after spending most of his life in Britain.
A senior Pakistani government official stated: “Our position is that [the UK] must listen to us too. Both sides need to apply standards. Pakistan cannot be railroaded into agreeing to terms and conditions that are suitable only to the UK. These demands [to take back Ahmed] are being made about somebody who is now around 75 and who has spent more than 60 years in your country. How is he our national when he is actually not our national? This is arrogance and a colonial mindset. It is unacceptable to us.”
Ahmed's current status and public pressure
Ahmed was recently seen hiding in the back of a taxi as he was transferred from HMP Leeds to a taxpayer-funded bail hostel. Pressure is mounting on Mahmood to close the loophole, which a source described as one “that undermines public confidence.” The deportation of Ahmed has become a key political issue, with victims' groups and opposition MPs demanding swift action.
Background of the Rochdale grooming gang
Shabir Ahmed was convicted for his role in the Rochdale child sexual exploitation ring, which targeted vulnerable girls between 2005 and 2013. The case sparked national outrage and led to multiple inquiries into how authorities failed to protect victims. Ahmed was sentenced to 22 years in prison but has since been released on licence, sparking fears for public safety.
