Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's spokesperson for home affairs, has launched a blistering attack on both Labour and Conservative governments, branding them "traitors" for providing Pakistan with billions in foreign aid while the country refuses to accept the deportation of a convicted grooming gang leader.
Yusuf's Accusations Over Aid and Deportation
In a post on X, Yusuf highlighted that over the past two decades, successive UK governments have sent £6 billion in foreign aid to Pakistan and issued 2 million visas to Pakistani nationals, all in the name of soft power. He contrasted this with the case of 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 raping and sexually assaulting girls as young as 12.
"Yet the Rochdale monster, convicted of raping 30 girls as young as 12, 'cannot be deported' because Pakistan is refusing to take him back," Yusuf wrote. He added: "The Tory Labour uniparty have betrayed hardworking Brits, sent our treasure abroad and allowed the rape of British girls by foreign nationals."
Government Efforts to Deport Ahmed
The government has been exploring legal avenues to deport Ahmed since his release. Officials are reportedly seeking a loophole in a 1971 law that prevents the removal of certain Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the UK for more than 50 years. However, Pakistan is not expected to accept him, complicating the situation.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp added pressure, stating: "Countries who do not take back their own citizens from the UK - whether criminals or illegal migrants - should have foreign aid suspended and face visa sanctions until they comply."
Alleged Demands for Political Dissidents
According to The Times, Pakistan is demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange for accepting Ahmed. The Prime Minister's spokesperson declined to comment on "speculation about specific proposals" but confirmed that "we are exploring every available option in this case, and that includes talking to the Pakistani authorities."
The spokesperson added: "This is a complex case with both domestic and international implications. Any removal requires co-operation from another country to accept an individual back. Previous governments have experienced similar challenges in other grooming gang cases."
Possible Emergency Legislation
Home Office minister Alex Norris indicated that the government could consider emergency legislation to remove Ahmed, given the "heinous" nature of his crimes. "All options are on the table," Norris said.
