The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to amend the immigration bill to facilitate the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the notorious leader of the Rochdale grooming gang. This amendment, introduced on Monday, aims to close a legal loophole that currently protects Commonwealth citizens from deportation if they arrived in the UK over 50 years ago.
Details of the Immigration Bill Amendment
Under the proposed changes, Mahmood seeks to enable the removal of Commonwealth citizens convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, child sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Ahmed, who was released after serving 22 years for multiple child sexual offences, including rape, cannot currently be deported due to protections in the 1971 Immigration Act.
Mahmood stated, "The act provides protections for long-term UK residents but, clearly, should not be acting as a bar against removal in cases like that of Shabir Ahmed." The Home Office plans to align the law with conditions that allow for deprivation of citizenship in severe cases.
Public Sentiment and Political Support
With Andy Burnham likely to become Prime Minister, he has expressed support for the bill, indicating that the public deserves an asylum system that is both compassionate and credible. His spokesperson noted, "This bill takes important steps towards restoring confidence by tackling illegal crossings while strengthening safe and legal routes for genuine refugees."
Burnham's team suggests that the immigration reforms would address public concerns over the asylum system, which Mahmood described as fraying. She emphasized the need to restore control over immigration to maintain public support.
Potential Changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain
Another significant amendment proposed by Mahmood is the doubling of the time required to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. This change aims to refine the criteria for migrants seeking permanent residency in the UK.
Currently, there is a debate within the Labour Party regarding whether existing migrants should be exempt from this extended waiting period. Nearly 80 Labour MPs have urged Burnham to reconsider this policy, labeling it as contrary to the party’s values.
- Shabir Ahmed's criminal history includes multiple child sexual offences.
- The 1971 Immigration Act protects long-term Commonwealth residents.
- The new ILR requirement may affect recent migrants on new visas.
Mahmood concluded, "There is nothing fair about a system that is based upon uncontrolled, unsafe and illegal routes into this country." The amendments are expected to be finalized after the government completes its consultations.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Politics. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
