Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to amend legislation to enable the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the Rochdale grooming gang ringleader. The change targets a barrier in the Immigration Act 1971 that currently blocks his removal. Pakistan has refused to accept his return. Ahmed was freed after serving 14 years of a 22-year term for 30 child rape offences. He lost British citizenship after conviction but remains protected by rules for pre-1973 arrivals with five years of residence. Officials say the fix will not affect other Commonwealth citizens, including Windrush cases. The announcement is due with the second reading of the immigration and asylum bill. A source noted confidence in resolving the domestic issue but said talks with Pakistan will decide the outcome. MP Robbie Moore pressed for swift action in Parliament. Minister Alex Norris said options remain under review. Pakistan claims the men renounced citizenship, a point disputed by Britain in Ahmed’s case. Negotiations continue in Islamabad.
