Government explores options to remove convicted child rapist amid public anger and calls to close legal loopholes.
The UK government is engaged in discussions with Pakistan about the potential deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang, who was released from prison this week after serving 14 years for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls.
Ahmed, 73, who was stripped of his British citizenship following his 2012 conviction, holds Pakistani nationality. However, a provision in the Immigration Act 1971 prevents his removal because he arrived in the UK before 1973 and had lived there for at least five years before deportation proceedings were considered.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has directed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to review the case and explore “every route” to enable deportation, describing Ahmed’s crimes as a “particularly heinous” chapter in British history.
Victims Challenge Legal Barriers:
The release has sparked significant anger among victims and the wider public, with many questioning the early release and the legal barriers to deportation. Victims were informed by the Probation Service that Ahmed cannot be removed under current laws, despite earlier promises from officials.
Local MPs and campaigners have called for an urgent change to the 1971 legislation to allow the deportation of foreign national offenders in similar cases.
Deportation Talks Continue:
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that the issue has been raised with Pakistani counterparts. “We are committed to doing everything possible to deport foreign national offenders, and we are clear that they should have no place in this country,” the spokesperson said.
Ahmed’s gang targeted vulnerable girls as young as 12 in Rochdale, with authorities later criticised for failing to protect victims due to concerns over “political correctness” and community relations. The case remains one of the most shocking examples of organised child sexual exploitation in the UK.
As talks continue, victims’ groups and opposition figures are pressing for swift legislative action to ensure Ahmed and others convicted in similar cases can be deported. Al Jazeera will monitor developments.