Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to amend the 1971 Immigration Act to enable the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale child sexual abuse gang, after Pakistan refused to accept his return.
Ahmed was released from prison on 2 July 2026 after serving 14 years for dozens of child rape and sexual offences against girls. The current 1971 law exempts from deportation those who arrived in the UK before 1973 and have resided there for at least five years. Pakistan has declined to take Ahmed back because he renounced his Pakistani citizenship, complicating removal efforts.
The government is considering emergency legislation to close the loophole. A victim known as 'Ruby' has expressed fear for her safety following Ahmed's release.