Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to outline proposals on Monday to amend a 1971 law that currently prevents the deportation of Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed. Ahmed, who was released from prison on July 2 after serving 14 years of a 19-year sentence for rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12, has been stripped of his British citizenship but remains in the UK due to legal protections for Commonwealth citizens who arrived more than 50 years ago.
Legal Loophole and Proposed Changes
The 1971 Immigration Act forbids the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the UK for over five decades. Mahmood is expected to detail a way to close this loophole, potentially through an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is due for debate in the Commons on Monday, or via separate fast-tracked legislation. A Home Office minister indicated last week that the government could consider emergency legislation to expedite the process.
Pakistan's Likely Refusal and Diplomatic Tensions
Despite the planned legal changes, it is understood that Pakistan is unlikely to accept Ahmed. Reports suggest Pakistan is demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange for taking him back. Downing Street confirmed that the UK is “exploring every available option,” including ongoing discussions with Pakistani authorities. Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman stated 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.”
Political Reactions and Proposed Measures
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized Pakistan’s stance on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, suggesting the UK should restrict visa issuance to Pakistan if it refuses to accept criminals. He argued: “If they don’t take him back, we can say: well, we’re simply going to stop or restrict issuing visas to people from Pakistan to come here. That, by the way, should apply to any country around the world who doesn’t take back its own citizens who are criminals or here illegally.”
Background on Shabir Ahmed's Case
Ahmed was convicted in 2012 for orchestrating a grooming gang that targeted vulnerable girls in Rochdale. His release earlier this month sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter deportation laws. The government has been examining ways to deport him since his release, with Mahmood’s proposals representing a significant step toward addressing the legal barrier.
