Labour Leader Promises Action on Deportation Loophole
Andy Burnham has pledged to investigate "all possible options" to close a legal loophole that has prevented the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, a convicted Rochdale grooming gang leader, if he becomes prime minister.
Burnham, the Labour leader-in-waiting, made his first major statement on the issue, emphasizing that no measures would be "off the table" regarding Ahmed, 73, who is due for release from prison on 2 July.
Ahmed was sentenced in 2012 to 22 years in prison after being convicted on 30 charges of child rape involving girls as young as 13. At that time, victims were informed he would be deported to Pakistan, his country of birth, after serving his sentence. However, the government recently acknowledged that under the Immigration Act 1971, Ahmed cannot be deported despite having his British citizenship revoked.
Burnham, expected to become prime minister on 20 July, stated on Wednesday:
"Like everyone, I want this vile criminal out of the country. Victims must come first. I will ask the home and foreign secretaries to review all possible options – and they should consider nothing is off the table."
Background on Shabir Ahmed and Legal Challenges
Known as "Daddy," Ahmed played a central role in the Rochdale grooming gang, which reportedly victimized as many as 50 girls. Upon his release, he will be banned from entering Rochdale and will be subject to licence conditions that allow for recall to prison if breached.
A letter, believed to be from the probation service, sent to victims this week explained that the government cannot deport Ahmed because he arrived in the UK before 1973 and had resided in the country for at least five years prior to deportation consideration, as stipulated by the Immigration Act 1971.
Reactions from Officials and Victims
Alex Davies-Jones, who resigned as the government’s victims’ minister in May, described the situation as "horrific," expressing concern over Ahmed’s return to the community. She emphasized the need to prioritize victims in the criminal justice system:
"If we truly are to put victims back at the heart of the criminal justice system then we have got to listen to them and act here."
Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner, highlighted the distress caused by misinformation regarding Ahmed’s deportation:
"Victims in this case were told the offender would be deported, and that information was incorrect. It has understandably raised expectations and has now caused further upset and trauma."
Waxman also noted that the case reflects a broader issue where victims often receive inconsistent or inaccurate information about offenders, which undermines trust in the justice system and exacerbates victims’ trauma.
Jess Phillips, former minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, called for legislative review:
"We need to look at what legislation would make it possible for special powers could be given in cases such as this. There is no easy solution but it’s right that new legislative options are considered in cases where people have nationality elsewhere."
One of Ahmed’s victims, identified as Ruby, shared her fears with night regarding his release:
"The main ringleader, who is well known in Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton, is being released from prison. Even if he is not in those areas, he still knows people and could contact them, which makes me feel unsafe."
Government and Local Authority Responses
A Home Office spokesperson expressed sympathy for the victims and outlined the conditions Ahmed will face upon release:
"Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims of these appalling crimes. Ahmed’s horrific crimes were at the heart of the grooming gangs scandal that represents one of the darkest moments in our country’s history. The most vulnerable people were abused and exploited at the hands of evil child rapists and must face the full force of the law.
On his release he will be on the sex offender register for life, ordered to stay away from his victims and banned from contacting any child or young person. As well as facing strict curfews and restriction zones, his every movement will be tracked, forced to wear an electronic tag. Should he breach his conditions, he will be immediately locked up."
Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale council, expressed deep concern about the impact of Ahmed’s release on survivors in the community:
"I am very concerned about how this deeply troubling news of Ahmed’s release will affect the survivors still living in the Greater Manchester town.
I hope that the reports that he will not be allowed into our borough are accurate and that we never see him on our streets again. If he is seen in our borough, I will demand that he is sent back to prison immediately. As far as I’m concerned, they should have locked him up and thrown away the key."
