Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on Monday that the government will amend the Immigration and Asylum Bill to remove Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971, which currently prevents the deportation of Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the UK for more than 50 years. This change is aimed at deporting Shabir Ahmed, the leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, 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.
Details of the Amendment
Ms Mahmood stated that the amendment will grant the Home Secretary new powers to disapply Section 7 for serious criminals, including terrorists, human traffickers, and other violent offenders. The threshold for this power will be tied to the ability to deprive citizenship, which applies only in cases of exceptional severity. However, she acknowledged that deportation cannot proceed without Pakistan's agreement to accept Ahmed.
The government has indicated that Pakistan could face visa restrictions if it refuses to take Ahmed back. Victims' minister Catherine Atkinson noted that similar threats have succeeded before, citing examples with Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Political Reactions
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp expressed support for the efforts but urged the government to consider emergency legislation instead of waiting for the full bill to pass. He stated, "There's not a moment to lose and this can quite quickly be fixed." The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed that changing the law is only the first step and that all options, including visa penalties, remain on the table.
Labour MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, emphasized the public interest in deportation, saying, "Whatever diplomatic barriers exist, they must be challenged. The people of Rochdale, whatever their racial background, are united in their disgust at paedophiles like Ahmed."
Background on Ahmed's Case
Ahmed was convicted in 2012 for his role in the Rochdale grooming gang, which exploited vulnerable girls. His release has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter deportation laws. The government is exploring all avenues to ensure his removal, but Pakistan is reportedly demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange.
