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UK government will change law so grooming gang ringleader can be deported
Ministers aim to close a decades-old immigration loophole that has blocked deportation of Shabir Ahmed and two other convicted gang ringleaders.
- Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans on Wednesday to amend the Immigration Act 1971, enabling the Home Office to deport Rochdale ringleader Shabir Ahmed and close a decades-old loophole.
- A provision in the Immigration Act shields long-term residents arriving before January 1, 1973 from deportation, even if they lose British citizenship. Ministers described this protection as "unintended" and aim to close it without affecting Commonwealth migrants.
- Ahmed's conviction for 30 offences, including rape of victims as young as 13, sparked public outrage. Parents Against Grooming UK co-founder Billy Howarth organized vigilante watch parties on Rochdale streets following his release.
- Pakistan has reportedly resisted accepting Ahmed due to his renounced citizenship, complicating deportation even if Parliament approves legal reforms. British officials continue diplomatic discussions to overcome these barriers.
- Survivor Ruby stated, "Even if he is not in those areas, he still knows people and could contact them, which makes me feel unsafe." Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged exhausting every legal avenue to protect victims.
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UK Moves to Get Rid of Decades-Old Deportation Loophole After Rochdale Grooming Gang Ringleader's Release
On Wednesday, 8 July, the UK Government announced it is preparing to amend immigration law that has protected Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed from deportation after he served the minimum 14-year prison sentence for multiple child rape offences. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to introduce legislation to reform a loophole in the Immigration Act 1971 that protects certain long-term UK residents from deportation, even i…
·United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 30%
C 20%
R 50%
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