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London wants to expel the Rochdale gang leader through legislative reform

London wants to expel the Rochdale gang leader through legislative reform
London wants to expel the Rochdale gang leader through legislative reform

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will amend the immigration bill to allow the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, leader of the Rochdale gang, who is currently protected by a 1971 law.

Shabir Ahmed, a key figure in the Rochdale gang convicted of sex trafficking, could soon be deported from the United Kingdom. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced her intention to amend the Immigration Bill to close the legal loophole that has so far protected Ahmed from any removal measures.

The legal obstacle lies in a 1971 law that prohibits the deportation of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the United Kingdom more than fifty years ago. Ahmed, a Pakistani citizen, benefits from this provision and cannot, under current law, be returned to his country of origin.

The amendment tabled by Mahmood constitutes, according to the government, a first concrete step towards his deportation. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to vote in favor of these changes, which also affect the British asylum system.

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