Labour's Shabana Mahmood vows to deport grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed

In a move that will be welcomed by many who have long demanded tougher action on foreign-born criminals, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to change the law to deport Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a vile grooming gang. Ahmed, 55, was freed from prison on July 2 after serving just 14 years of a 19-year sentence for the rape and sexual abuse of girls as young as 12.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Mahmood confirmed that the government would amend the Immigration and Asylum Bill to remove a legal obstacle that has prevented Ahmed's deportation. The obstacle is Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971, a piece of legislation that protects long-term Commonwealth residents from removal. This law, passed in a more naive era, now stands as a barrier to justice for the victims of these appalling crimes.

“The government intends to bring forward an amendment to this bill in response to the widely reported case of the vile grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed,” Ms Mahmood said. “Our amendment will provide the Home Secretary with a new power to apply section seven of the Immigration Act 1971 for serious criminals. This provides protections for long term UK residents, but clearly should not be acting as a bar against removal in cases like that of Shabir Ahmed. The threshold for this power would be tied to the power to deprive citizenship, which applies only in cases of exceptional severity.”

This is a welcome, if belated, recognition of a long-standing failure in our immigration system. For years, this newspaper has warned of the dangers of allowing foreign-born criminals to exploit the very laws meant to protect British citizens. The case of Shabir Ahmed, who arrived from Pakistan decades ago, is a stark illustration of how our generosity has been abused.

However, even if the law is changed, the UK may still be powerless unless Pakistan agrees to take him back. So far, Islamabad has indicated it is not prepared to do so. Ms Mahmood acknowledged this difficulty: “It is important to note this does not guarantee his removal from this country. Those opposite (the Tories) know all too well from their own experience. But the Foreign Secretary (Yvette Cooper) and I will continue to work all avenues to pursue a deportation. I know the thoughts of everyone here are with the victims and survivors of this vile criminal.”

The Pakistani government is reportedly demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange for Ahmed's return. This is a disgraceful bargaining chip, and it is time for Britain to stand firm. We cannot allow foreign governments to dictate our domestic security.

Earlier, justice minister Catherine Atkinson pointed out that the threat of visa restrictions had been effective in the past. She told the BBC: “I think we've been clear that all options remain on the table where countries don't co-operate on the return of their nationals.” She added that the Home Secretary “has been absolutely clear that this Government will take action to see Shabir Ahmed removed, and we've seen the success that she has had when it comes to removals in previous cases”.

“I think she threatened visa penalties for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless they took back illegal immigrants,” she said. “And four months later, all three were co-operating.”

The Prime Minister's official spokesman acknowledged that changing the law was only the first step. “The country of origin must agree to take these vile criminals back and that's why we're working across government to explore every option in this case,” the spokesman said.

This is a test of the government's resolve. The British people have had enough of a system that prioritises the rights of foreign criminals over the safety of our own citizens. It is time to send a clear message: if you come to Britain to commit heinous crimes, you will be sent back. No more excuses, no more legal loopholes.

As for Shabir Ahmed, his victims deserve justice. The law must be changed, and Pakistan must be pressed to accept his return. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust.

What is Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971?

Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971 provides protections for Commonwealth citizens who have been resident in the UK for more than 50 years. It prevents their removal, even if they have committed serious crimes. This law, intended to protect long-term residents, has become a shield for criminals like Shabir Ahmed.

Why is Pakistan refusing to take back Shabir Ahmed?

Pakistan has reportedly demanded the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange for Ahmed's return. This is a blatant attempt to use a convicted rapist as a bargaining chip, and it shows a lack of co-operation from Islamabad on matters of international justice.

What other options does the UK have to deport Ahmed?

The UK could impose visa restrictions or other diplomatic measures to pressure Pakistan into co-operating. Similar tactics have worked with Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the government must be prepared to follow through with real consequences.

Photo: Mirror