Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed could face deportation after law review

On July 6, 2026, a government minister confirmed that Shabir Ahmed, the freed ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, could still be deported. Ahmed, 73, was the head of a gang that abused girls as young as 12 and was released from prison last week after serving a 22-year sentence for multiple child sexual offenses, including rape.

Government's Review of Deportation Laws

During a Commons session, Alex Norris, Home Office minister of state, stated the government is open to changing existing laws to facilitate Ahmed's deportation. This follows an urgent question posed by Conservative MP Katie Lam, who expressed outrage that a “decades-old law” prevents the deportation of a convicted criminal like Ahmed. Lam emphasized, “When the law produces an outcome which is so wrong, it must be changed.”

Norris highlighted that Ahmed's arrival in the UK before 1971 complicates his potential deportation under immigration legislation enacted in 1973, which protects certain Commonwealth citizens, notably the Windrush generation. He acknowledged that Ahmed's release is “unacceptable,” particularly given the serious nature of his crimes.

Ahmed's Criminal History and Release

Shabir Ahmed, who was convicted in August 2012, was known as “Daddy” by his victims. Following his release last week, he was fitted with a GPS electronically monitored tag. Despite the serious risks posed by Ahmed, including assessments by parole officers stating he “poses a very high risk of harm to children,” legal barriers prevent immediate deportation.

Under the Immigration Act 1971, foreigners who arrived in the UK before 1973 and have been in the country for five years are protected from removal. Ahmed, who came to the UK in the late 1960s, held dual British and Pakistani citizenship at the time of his conviction, and his British citizenship was revoked by the courts.

Next Steps for the Government

Norris assured Parliament that the government has not abandoned efforts to address this situation, stating, “I can assure the House we have not given up and will not.” The Home Office is currently considering amendments to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is set to be discussed in the Commons next week.

Victims of Ahmed's gang have expressed their concerns about his release and the implications of the existing laws that protect individuals like him. As the government explores options for legal reform, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of children and preventing similar cases in the future.