Government moves to deport grooming gang ringleader

The Government is preparing to change the law in a bid to deport Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, after his release from prison reignited pressure on ministers to remove foreign-born serious offenders from the UK.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to unveil proposals to close a legal loophole that currently prevents Ahmed's deportation, despite him having been stripped of his British citizenship.

Loophole Comes Under Fire

Ahmed was released on 2 July after serving 14 years in prison for rape and a series of sexual offences against girls, some aged as young as 12. Convicted in 2012, he had originally been sentenced to 19 years.

The obstacle facing ministers is a provision in the Immigration Act 1971 that protects a small number of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in Britain more than 50 years ago from deportation. Mahmood is expected to propose legislation to remove that protection in cases such as Ahmed's.

Pakistan Remains Major Hurdle

Even if Parliament changes the law, deportation is far from guaranteed. Pakistan is not expected to accept Ahmed's return, with reports suggesting Islamabad is seeking the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK as part of any agreement.

Downing Street says ministers are exploring every available option, including discussions with the Pakistani authorities, while acknowledging that any removal depends on another country agreeing to receive the individual.

Justice Minister Catherine Atkinson

Pressure Mounts on Ministers

The Government has not confirmed whether the legal changes will be fast-tracked through emergency legislation or added to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is due before MPs.

Justice minister Catherine Atkinson insisted ministers would take the steps needed to remove Ahmed, pointing to previous cases where the Government secured cooperation from foreign governments after threatening visa restrictions.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp urged ministers to go further, arguing countries that refuse to accept convicted criminals should face limits on UK visas.

The case has become a high-profile test of the Government's immigration and deportation policy, with ministers facing mounting pressure to prove that serious offenders can be removed where legal barriers have previously prevented it.

Shabana Mahmood to set out plans to change law to deport grooming gang leader