Key facts
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce legal measures to deport grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed.
- Ahmed was convicted of child sexual offenses and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
- He was released on license earlier this month after serving part of his sentence.
- Ahmed's British citizenship was revoked, but a 1971 law prevents his deportation.
- The government is considering emergency legislation or an amendment to the current immigration bill.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to outline the legal strategy for deporting Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2012 for multiple child sexual offenses including rape, was released on license earlier this month. His British citizenship was revoked following his conviction, leaving him with only Pakistani nationality. However, his deportation is currently prevented by a 1971 law that prohibits the removal of a specific group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK over 50 years ago. The government is reportedly exploring options such as emergency legislation or an amendment to the current immigration bill to overcome this legal barrier, as changing the existing act could take up to a year. Pakistan has indicated no intention of accepting Ahmed, who claims to have renounced his Pakistani citizenship. Ahmed is currently under strict license conditions, including 24-hour monitored accommodation and an electronic tag. His victims have expressed fear and distress over his release. Opposition leader Sir Keir's office stated they are exploring all available options, including discussions with Pakistani authorities.