Mahmood to set out plan to deport grooming gang leader

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to outline legal measures to deport Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang, who was released on license earlier this month. Ahmed, jailed for 22 years in 2012 for child sexual offenses, had his British citizenship revoked following his conviction, leaving him with only Pakistani nationality.

Despite calls for his deportation across the political spectrum, Ahmed's removal from the UK is blocked by a 1971 law. This legislation prevents the deportation of a specific group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in Britain over 50 years ago. The government is now exploring how to navigate this legal obstacle, with potential changes to the law being considered.

Ahmed was one of nine men convicted for exploiting girls as young as 13. Upon his release, he was placed in supervised accommodation and fitted with an electronic monitoring tag. The government has stated he will be returned to prison if he violates strict license conditions. However, his victims have voiced fears and feelings of insecurity following his release.

The situation has prompted discussions about potential legislative changes, with some government sources suggesting it could take up to a year to amend the existing act. Conservative lawmakers are pushing for emergency legislation or an amendment to a current immigration bill to expedite the process. Meanwhile, discussions with Pakistani authorities are also underway regarding Ahmed's potential return.