Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed is "almost certain" to file human rights claims to prevent his deportation from Britain, Conservative officials have warned. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that the Pakistani-born offender is highly likely to bring appeals under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), potentially thwarting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's efforts to change immigration laws for his removal.
Philp indicated that Ahmed is likely to invoke Article 8, concerning the right to private and family life, and Article 3, which prohibits removal to places where an individual may face ill-treatment. "Previous cases suggest any such claims will have a good chance of success," Philp said. He criticized Labour's stance, stating, "That's why the Conservatives have a real plan to leave the ECHR and deport all foreign criminals. But Labour sadly does not support doing this."
Ahmed, 73, has previously utilized the ECHR in attempts to overturn his convictions. In 2014, two years after receiving a 22-year sentence for multiple rape and sexual offenses against young girls, he filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights. His legal team argued that the jury was biased, that the trial was unfair due to an all-white jury, and that his counsel was denied the opportunity to cross-examine certain witnesses. He also alleged violations of his human rights, including police prejudice based on religion and race, and claimed his private and family life were not respected by the trial and media coverage.
These claims were declared inadmissible by Strasbourg judges in 2016. Ahmed was released from prison last week after serving 14 years of his sentence. He has had his British citizenship revoked and has reportedly renounced his Pakistani citizenship.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly preparing amendments to the Immigration Act 1971, which currently exempts individuals who arrived before 1973 and have resided in the UK for at least five years from deportation. The method of introducing these reforms, whether as an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill or via another legal mechanism, remains undetermined.
Significant diplomatic challenges persist, as Pakistan has stated it will not accept Ahmed. A government source noted that while domestic legal measures are being addressed, the FCDO's negotiations with Pakistan are crucial for determining Ahmed's future in the UK. Pakistani officials have characterized the UK's efforts as indicative of "arrogance and a colonial mindset," refusing to be "railroaded into agreeing to terms and conditions that are suitable only to the UK." Potential consequences for Pakistan, as reported, could include the UK reducing or halting visa issuance to its nationals or withholding £50 million in annual foreign aid.
Labour MP Jim McMahon, representing a constituency in Oldham where some of the abuse occurred, has also called for legal changes, asserting that the 1971 legislation was not intended to provide an exemption for child rapists.