Victims’ Safety Remains a Major Concern
Andy Burnham has called on the UK government to examine every possible legal option to deport convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed before he is released from prison.
Ahmed, who led one of the country’s most notorious child grooming gangs, is expected to leave prison this week after serving his sentence for multiple rape and sexual offences. He was convicted in 2012 for abusing vulnerable girls, some of whom were only 12 years old.
Burnham said protecting victims must remain the government’s highest priority. He confirmed that he will ask both the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary to review all available legal measures that could result in Ahmed’s removal from the UK.
British Citizenship Was Removed
Following his conviction, Ahmed lost his British citizenship because he also held Pakistani nationality. Despite that decision, reports suggest legal and diplomatic barriers may prevent his deportation to Pakistan.
Documents circulating online, believed to be from the Probation Service, indicate that existing legal restrictions currently stop authorities from sending Ahmed back to Pakistan. As a result, questions remain about what action can be taken once he is released.
Government Reviewing All Available Options
The Home Office said officials are working with other government departments to explore every possible option in Ahmed’s case.
A spokesperson explained that the government remains committed to removing foreign national offenders whenever the law allows. However, deportation also depends on cooperation from the receiving country, which has created challenges in similar cases over the years.
The spokesperson added that discussions are continuing across government departments to determine whether any lawful solution is available.
Burnham Says Nothing Should Be Ruled Out
In a statement shared on social media, Burnham said he wants Ahmed removed from the country and believes every possible option should be considered.
He stressed that victims must come first and said authorities should leave no legal avenue unexplored if it could lead to Ahmed’s deportation.
Burnham has previously raised similar concerns. In 2022, while serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester, he urged the government to use all available powers to deport foreign nationals involved in grooming gang offences.
Justice Minister Acknowledges Legal Challenges
Justice Minister Jake Richards also addressed the case during a television interview. He acknowledged that the UK has faced long standing difficulties when attempting to deport certain foreign national offenders to Pakistan.
Richards said the government would continue examining possible solutions. However, he admitted that deporting Ahmed under the current legal framework appears unlikely.
When asked whether the law should be changed, Richards responded that changing legislation to apply retrospectively would be legally difficult.
Uncertainty Continues Ahead of Ahmed’s Release
Ahmed’s expected release has renewed concerns among survivors, many of whom say they fear for their safety.
The government has not confirmed whether deportation will ultimately be possible. Officials say discussions are ongoing while legal and diplomatic options continue to be reviewed.
As the case develops, the focus remains on balancing public safety, victims’ concerns, and the legal limits surrounding deportation.
