UK to change law so ringleader of Rochdale grooming gang can be deported

New Delhi, India Jul 8, 2026 ALN: The home secretary will change the law so the freed ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang can be deported, the BBC has been told.

As first reported by the Telegraph, Shabana Mahmood is expected to set out on Monday how she plans to amend the 1971 Immigration Act which currently stops Shabir Ahmed from being removed from the UK.

Ahmed, 73, was jailed for 22 years in August 2012 for a number of child sexual offences including rape. He was released on licence last week, triggering a wave of concern and outrage among the public and his victims. Ahmed's case has highlighted significant issues regarding the UK's immigration laws as they pertain to criminal offenders.

Known to his victims as "Daddy," Ahmed had dual British-Pakistani citizenship but was stripped of the former following his 2012 conviction. This has left him in a precarious legal position, as he cannot be deported under current laws. The 1971 Immigration Act, which was designed to protect Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973, has become a focal point of this controversy. The act bars the removal of any Commonwealth citizen who has lived in the UK for at least five years.

At the time of his release, his victims were informed that he could not be deported to Pakistan due to this legislation. This information has understandably caused distress among those who suffered at his hands, as they were forced to confront the reality that their abuser was back on the streets. The emotional toll on the victims has been profound, with many expressing feelings of fear and insecurity regarding Ahmed's presence in their community.

After leaving prison, Ahmed was sent to 24-hour staffed accommodation and fitted with a GPS electronically monitored tag. He is subject to strict licence conditions following his release, as stated by the Home Office. These conditions include exclusion zones, an electronically monitored curfew, and the requirements of the sex offenders register. However, many feel that these measures are insufficient to ensure their safety, particularly given the nature of Ahmed's crimes.

Some of his victims expressed that they were "frightened" by his release, feeling "unsafe" in their own community. The emotional scars left by Ahmed's actions are not easily healed, and the prospect of him living among them again has reignited trauma for many of those affected. This situation raises important questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in protecting victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

While he remains in the UK, the government has stated that any breach of Ahmed's strict licence conditions would result in him being immediately returned to prison. This statement provides a modicum of reassurance, but it does not address the fundamental issue of his presence in the community, which is a source of ongoing concern for many.

Ahmed was one of nine men from Rochdale and Oldham found guilty of exploiting girls as young as 13 at two takeaway restaurants in the Heywood area of Rochdale. The case drew significant media attention and public outrage, highlighting systemic failures in child protection and law enforcement that allowed such abuses to occur over an extended period. The convictions were part of a broader scandal that revealed the extent of grooming gangs operating in various parts of the UK, leading to calls for comprehensive reforms in how authorities handle child sexual exploitation cases.

Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, has been urging the government to back an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill that would allow for Ahmed's deportation. His calls reflect a growing sentiment among the public and lawmakers that the current immigration laws need to be revisited, particularly in cases involving serious criminal offenses. The implications of such changes could be significant, potentially allowing for the deportation of other offenders who fall under similar circumstances.

This week, Home Office minister Alex Norris told MPs that the government would not relent in its efforts to deport Ahmed for his "heinous" crimes. The determination expressed by the government to take action underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for legislative changes to address the loopholes that currently protect individuals like Ahmed from being removed from the country.

It is also understood that there is currently no agreement in place with Pakistan to facilitate Ahmed's return there. This lack of cooperation complicates the situation further, as it raises questions about the feasibility of any deportation efforts. The government will likely need to engage in diplomatic discussions with Pakistan to ensure that there is a pathway for Ahmed's removal should the law be amended.

Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, stated that he has been "urging ministers to act quickly to change the law to allow the authorities to boot this vile child rapist out of Britain." His comments reflect a broader political and public consensus that immediate action is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals from offenders like Ahmed. Waugh added that changing the law to permit Ahmed's deportation "would be the first step in giving victims the hope they never have to face him again." This sentiment resonates with many who have been affected by similar cases, reinforcing the need for legal reforms that prioritize victim safety and justice.

"The next step is to make crystal clear to Pakistan that they should take him back," Waugh said. This statement highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing issues of crime and immigration, particularly in cases where offenders may have ties to multiple countries. The complexities of such situations often require nuanced approaches that balance the rights of individuals with the need for public safety.

The ongoing discussions surrounding Ahmed's case are not only about one individual but also reflect larger societal issues, including the treatment of victims of sexual violence, the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and the challenges posed by immigration laws. As the government prepares to amend the law, it will be crucial to consider the broader implications of such changes, ensuring that they do not inadvertently affect other vulnerable populations while striving to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the situation surrounding Shabir Ahmed's potential deportation is emblematic of the challenges faced by the UK in balancing immigration policies with public safety concerns. The forthcoming changes to the 1971 Immigration Act may set a precedent for future cases involving serious offenders, and the outcomes will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the proposed amendments. Ultimately, the priority must remain on ensuring justice for victims and safeguarding communities from those who pose a threat to public safety.