Jenrick Says Reform Would Link Pakistan Aid and Visas to Deportation of Freed Grooming Gang Leader

Robert Jenrick questioned whether Andy Burnham has the resolve to deport Shabir Ahmed, a grooming gang ringleader freed from prison the prior week. GB News reported the remarks during Jenrick's July 5 interview with Camilla Tominey. Jenrick, Reform UK's Treasury Spokesman, said his party would do whatever it takes to see Ahmed removed to Pakistan.

He proposed that Burnham, as prime minister, call Pakistani officials on day one and link continued foreign aid and visas to Ahmed's deportation. GB News reported that Ahmed was stripped of British citizenship yet remains protected from deportation under the Immigration Act 1971.

Jenrick noted the UK provides £80 million a year in foreign aid to Pakistan and suggested pausing visas until Ahmed returns.

"That will be the test of Andy Burnham. Does he have the balls to do that? And I can assure you, Nigel Farage, Zia Yusuf - they certainly do," Jenrick said.