UK plans law change to allow deportation of Rochdale grooming gang leader

The UK government will introduce legislation to close a loophole in the 1971 Immigration Act that currently blocks deportation of a Rochdale grooming gang leader who was released from prison on July 2. The man, convicted in 2012 of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12, had served 14 years of a 19-year sentence.

Officials have been examining options to remove him since his release.

Planned legislative changes The home secretary is expected to set out proposals on Monday to amend the 1971 law that protects a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. The changes would allow deportation even though the individual has already been stripped of British citizenship.

It remains unclear whether the measures will be introduced as separate fast-tracked legislation or as an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill due for debate in the Commons on Monday. A Home Office minister said earlier this week that all options remain under consideration, including emergency legislation.

International complications Pakistan is not expected to accept the individual's return, according to GB News reporting. The country is demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK before agreeing to take him back, The Times first reported.

Officials confirmed they are in contact with Pakistani authorities but described the case as complex with both domestic and international implications. Any removal requires cooperation from another country to accept the individual, a government spokesperson told reporters.

Alternative measures under discussion Former director of public prosecutions Max Hill told Times Radio that the UK would need to explore other options if Pakistan declines to accept the man. He said the British state must ensure any danger he represents is met with the force of the law and that victims are protected.