UK Home Secretary proposes law change to allow deportation of convicted rapist but removal not guaranteed

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 certain serious criminals, The Independent reported. The bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons on Monday night.

Mahmood told the Commons the amendment would give the home secretary power to disapply Section 7 for serious criminals, with the threshold tied to the power to deprive citizenship in cases of exceptional severity.

Shabir Ahmed was convicted in 2012 for rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12 and sentenced to 19 years. He served 14 years and was released from prison on 2 July. Section 7 prevents removal of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago.

Mahmood stated that changing the law does not guarantee Ahmed's removal from the UK. Amendments will be introduced at the committee and report stage. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Conservatives support efforts to remove Ahmed by changing the law but urged emergency legislation rather than waiting for the full 75-page bill.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson acknowledged that changing the law is only the first step in deporting Ahmed. Victims’ minister Catherine Atkinson stated the Home Secretary has been clear the government will take action to remove Shabir Ahmed and noted previous visa penalties threatened against Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Pakistan is reportedly demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange for accepting Ahmed.