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UK Home Secretary Plans Amendment to Deport Convicted Grooming Gang Leader
Shabana Mahmood announced changes to the Immigration and Asylum Bill to remove protections under the 1971 Immigration Act for serious criminals. The move targets Shabir Ahmed, released on July 2 after serving 14 years for rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. The government indicated Pakistan could face visa restrictions if it refuses to accept him.
Jul 13, 4:47 AM·1m read2 sources
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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to amend the Immigration and Asylum Bill to remove immunity under Section 7 of the 1971 Immigration Act for serious criminals. The bill passed its second reading in the Commons on Monday night. Mahmood told the Commons the amendment would give the home secretary power to disapply Section 7 for serious criminals.
She said the threshold would be tied to the power to deprive citizenship, which applies only in cases of exceptional severity. Mahmood stated the change does not guarantee removal from the UK. Shabir Ahmed was convicted in 2012 for rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12 and sentenced to 19 years in prison.
He served 14 years and was released on July 2. The 1971 Immigration Act prevents removal of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. The government indicated Pakistan could face visa restrictions if it does not accept Ahmed.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson said the country of origin must agree to take foreign criminals back and confirmed all options, including visa refusal, remain on the table for non-cooperating countries. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Conservatives support changing the law to remove Ahmed but urged the government to consider emergency legislation rather than waiting for the full 75-page bill.
Victims’ minister Catherine Atkinson stated the home secretary previously threatened visa penalties for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in cooperation within four months.
