The Government is under mounting pressure to amend legislation to facilitate the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, a convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader. Ahmed, 73, has been stripped of his British citizenship, leaving him solely with Pakistani nationality. However, a 1971 law prohibits the removal of certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than five decades ago, preventing his deportation.
Conservatives seek to close loophole
The Conservative Party has announced plans to amend the Government’s Immigration and Asylum Bill to address what they describe as a loophole. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated, “It’s absolutely disgusting that this man has been let out. He should be deported, and we’re going to do everything within our power to make sure that he is, but we’re going to need the Government to get behind us.” Badenoch called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to support the amendment.
Ahmed released on licence
Ahmed, known to his victims as “Daddy,” was released from prison on Thursday after serving 14 years of a 19-year sentence imposed in 2012 for multiple rape and sexual offences against young girls. He is understood to have been freed on licence and must initially reside at a 24-hour staffed bail hostel while wearing an electronic GPS tag. He is prohibited from visiting his last known address on Windsor Avenue in Oldham and is subject to an exclusion zone barring him from parts of Rochdale.
International and domestic hurdles
The Times reported that the UK is in talks with Pakistan regarding Ahmed’s return, but a Home Office source indicated that Pakistan agreeing to accept him is “highly unlikely.” The Telegraph added that Pakistan would not accept Ahmed because he previously renounced his citizenship. Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister has asked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to explore options for ensuring his deportation, describing his case as “particularly heinous.” In a statement, No 10 said, “We are absolutely clear that where foreign nationals commit offences in the UK we will do everything in our power to remove them.”
Political responses
Andy Burnham, expected to replace Sir Keir as prime minister, has vowed to “review all options” to deport Ahmed. The case has drawn widespread attention, with politicians across parties expressing outrage over his release and the legal barriers to deportation.
