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Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation
06 July 2026
Lead MP
Alex Norris
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationJustice & CourtsWomen & Equalities
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Alex Norris raised concerns about rochdale grooming gang: offender deportation in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister began by acknowledging the victims of the grooming gangs scandal, describing it as one of the darkest moments in British history. He mentioned Shabir Ahmed's release from prison after being convicted for child rape and other offences in 2012. Despite being ordered to stay away from his victims and banned from contacting any minor, Ahmed is on a sex offenders register for life due to the serious nature of his crimes. The Minister explained that Ahmed's citizenship was revoked but noted that under section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971, he cannot be deported as he arrived in the UK before January 1973 and qualifies as part of the Windrush generation. He highlighted the Government’s commitment to deporting foreign national offenders, with a 36% increase in removals since entering office, but acknowledged that Ahmed's case is unacceptable due to the severity of his crimes. The Minister assured the House that they are exploring all options to address this issue and pledged to keep the public safe.
Question
Shabir Ahmed was convicted of despicable crimes and his victims were promised deportation, but now a provision in the 1971 Immigration Act prevents this due to outdated legislation. The shadow Home Secretary demands changes to ensure such offenders can be removed.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the severity of the issue and shared the anger felt by many. He stated that all amendments proposed will be considered, confirming that all options are on the table for deportation. Despite delays under previous governments, the current administration remains committed to addressing this urgently.
Jim McMahon
Lab
Oldham West and Royton
Question
Once Shabir Ahmed was deprived of British citizenship, it became clear that provisions in the Immigration Act 1971 would impede deportation. The MP asked for updates on legal changes and talks with Pakistan.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed all options are being considered as part of the ongoing process to ensure legal changes can be made. He also noted frequent engagement with Pakistani authorities regarding return agreements.
Question
Shabir Ahmed's release is unacceptable given a loophole in 1971 legislation; calls for urgent rectification and details on progress towards deportation were raised.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the urgency and confirmed that all options are under consideration to address this issue promptly, including legal amendments.
Question
Communities affected by Shabir Ahmed's crimes demand reassurance that no option is off the table regarding consequences for such offenders.
Minister reply
The Minister assured stringent conditions are in place for Ahmed, with severe repercussions if breached. He pledged to work diligently on ensuring Ahmed faces appropriate consequences.
Robbie Moore
Con
Rochdale
Question
The MP calls for emergency legislation to deport Shabir Ahmed, who has committed heinous crimes in Rochdale. He questions the Minister about when such legislation will be brought forward.
Minister reply
Alex Norris acknowledges that deportations involve various legal and diplomatic barriers but assures that all options are being considered to resolve the situation swiftly.
Paul Waugh
Con
Weald of Kent
Question
The MP asks whether the Government has the power under the new Immigration and Asylum Bill to change the law so that Shabir Ahmed can be deported, emphasising the need for legal changes.
Minister reply
Alex Norris confirms that all legislative options are being explored and highlights the importance of working closely with Pakistan to ensure its cooperation in deportations.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
The MP questions whether Foreign Office diplomats hinder Ahmed's deportation and suggests recognising Ann Cryer for her work exposing grooming gangs.
Minister reply
Alex Norris denies the characterization of diplomats and agrees that it is a matter for higher authority to recognise Ann Cryer.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Broughton
Question
The MP suggests imprisoning Ahmed again by changing the law reducing tariff for serious offenders.
Minister reply
Alex Norris explains that Ahmed's release is due to legal constraints but points out recent changes in sentencing laws targeting grooming crimes.
Question
The MP asks if the Minister will review cases where individuals were stripped of their British citizenship but remain in Britain, and how many such people there are.
Minister reply
Alex Norris states that Ahmed is the only person in this situation and reiterates the Government's commitment to pursuing removals diligently.
Question
The MP seeks clarity on when legal solutions will be brought forward to address Ahmed’s case.
Minister reply
Alex Norris assures that they are working at pace but emphasises the need for a robust and lasting solution rather than rushing.
Question
The MP inquires if sanctions against Pakistan could be used to expedite Ahmed’s deportation.
Minister reply
Alex Norris explains that the primary hurdle is legal, citing section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971 and noting successful returns agreements with Pakistan.
Question
The MP urges for changing laws if necessary to ensure Ahmed’s deportation.
Minister reply
Alex Norris agrees on enhancing returns agreements but notes the importance of respecting legal processes while highlighting Parliament's power to make changes.
Question
The MP asks about the case of Fabian Henry and seeks assurances that similar laws will be changed for Ahmed.
Minister reply
Alex Norris emphasises the importance of following legal procedures and ensuring transparency with appropriate safeguards.
Jonathan Brash
Con
Hartlepool
Question
The MP suggests legislative changes to prevent any individual released from being deported immediately.
Minister reply
Alex Norris acknowledges the spirit of the suggestion but emphasises the importance of considering all options carefully.
Question
The MP urges the Minister not to be cautious and asks for immediate action towards deporting Ahmed.
Minister reply
Alex Norris reassures that all options are being considered, emphasising the need to ensure legal robustness before taking actions.
Question
It is my view that Shabir Ahmed, a vile paedophile, signed up for a one-way ticket out of this country on the very day that he started committing his vile crimes. I thank the Minister for his statement setting out that he will stop at nothing to see him deported, but is it not also the case that this situation demonstrates the importance of the Government’s ability to deprive individuals of British citizenship, notwithstanding that that must always be done with the utmost care and with proper scrutiny?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises a characteristically thoughtful point. The ability to deprive individuals of British citizenship—the ultimate foundational right shared collectively by people across the country—is a significant step and a crucial tool in our armoury to ensure people who come to this country and commit crimes here are removable. That is really important and something that we take exceptionally seriously.
Question
My thoughts are with the victims and survivors of Shabir Ahmed and the Rochdale grooming gang. The Minister has always been clear that removing foreign national offenders is a priority for him, the Home Secretary and this Government. Will he update the House on what more the Home Office is doing to speed up these removals?
Minister reply
We have made significant progress, removing nearly 10,000 foreign offenders since we took office. As we said in our asylum policy statement in November, and as reflected in the legislation that we brought forward last week, there are hurdles that are used to frustrate removal, be they abusing crucial protections from the Modern Slavery Act 2015 or the gaming of article 8 of the ECHR that goes far wider than Strasbourg case law. That is why we have brought forward legislation to ensure we are able to remove people who forfeit their right to be in the country.
Question
I thank the Minister for framing his comments around the victims of these terrible crimes, who should always be in our thoughts during such debates. I know that he is committed to doing everything that he can to ensure that foreign nationals who come to our country and break our laws, particularly in such vile and disgusting ways, are made to leave. Will he repeat that commitment from the Dispatch Box and reassure residents in Harlow that this Government will keep them safe?
Minister reply
I know the wisdom of the people of Harlow: they are tolerant and respect people from all over the world and from all backgrounds, whether they are 500th-generation Harlow, like my hon. Friend, or have arrived more recently. They know that when people commit crimes and abuse that status then, of course, they should be removed. We have made significant progress during our time in office and there will be more progress made through our recent legislation so that we can go further. I look forward to his support and the support of colleagues.
Shadow Comment
Katie Lam
Shadow Comment
The shadow Home Secretary criticised Shabir Ahmed’s crimes, describing them as despicable acts involving grooming, trafficking, and raping children. She pointed out that victims were promised deportation but now face a legal loophole preventing Ahmed's removal due to outdated legislation. The response highlighted the high risk of harm posed by Ahmed to children, as recently assessed by parole officers in 2023. The shadow accused the Government of failing to act promptly despite similar issues previously identified, urging for immediate changes to immigration laws that would allow deportation. She offered support from Conservative Members if the Home Secretary proposes amendments.
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