Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on Monday that the UK plans to amend immigration laws to enable the deportation of individuals convicted of serious organized crime, including figures like Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. The proposed changes, designed to remove offenders deemed 'vile,' are expected to take approximately one year to implement.
Mahmood stated that the amendment will provide the Home Secretary with a new power to disapply Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971 for serious criminals. This section currently exempts foreign-born nationals who arrived before 1973 and have resided in the UK for at least five years from deportation. The new measure would apply to offenders involved in human trafficking, terrorism, child sex offenses, war crimes, or those posing a national security threat. However, it is not intended to apply to individuals convicted of individual serious offenses such as murder, manslaughter, rape, or serious assault, but rather would require a test of 'exceptional severity.'
Despite the legislative changes, Mahmood acknowledged that the measures do not guarantee the deportation of Ahmed, as his home country, Pakistan, is refusing to accept him back. Officials described the amendment as a preliminary step, with Ahmed's removal now contingent on Pakistan's agreement. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman has indicated that the government is exploring all avenues, including the possibility of deporting Ahmed to a third country.
Shabir Ahmed, 73, was recently released from prison after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for multiple rape and sexual offenses against young girls. He has already been stripped of his British citizenship and is reported to have renounced his Pakistani citizenship. Pakistani officials have previously described the UK government's deportation efforts as 'arrogance and a colonial mindset.' Potential repercussions for Pakistan's non-compliance could include penalties such as reduced visa issuance or withholding foreign aid.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp urged Mahmood to introduce emergency legislation to change the 1971 Act when Parliament reconvenes, emphasizing that the current proposals would not be in effect for a year. Philp has also suggested that Ahmed may attempt to use human rights claims to remain in Britain, citing his previous unsuccessful legal challenges based on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Separately, the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which had its second reading on Monday, includes provisions to abolish lower immigration courts and replace them with a new independent body, along with minor adjustments to the application of the ECHR in immigration cases. The article also touches on other proposed immigration reforms not directly part of the current bill, including longer waiting periods for 'indefinite leave to remain' for foreign nationals and potential delays in accessing benefits. The team of incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated support for Mahmood's reforms, though some Labour backbenchers have called for policy changes regarding migrants already in the country.