Key Takeaways
- The UK government threatens visa restrictions if Pakistan refuses to accept Shabir Ahmed, known as 'Daddy'.
- Ahmed was convicted for his role in the Rochdale child sexual exploitation scandal and has lived in Britain since age 13.
- UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to amend the Immigration Act 1971 to facilitate Ahmed’s deportation.
The UK government has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, threatening visa restrictions if it fails to accept the deportation of convicted child groomer Shabir Ahmed, known as 'Daddy'.
Ahmed, who was a central figure in the notorious Rochdale child sexual exploitation scandal and served time for his crimes, has lived in Britain since he moved there at the age of 13. He was recently released from prison earlier this month.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to amend provisions of the Immigration Act 1971 to pave the way for Ahmed’s deportation. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesman stressed that Pakistan must also agree to take him back, stating: 'The country of origin must agree to take these vile criminals back.'
In a related development, Victims’ Minister Catherine Atkinson indicated that visa restrictions could be used as leverage if necessary, drawing parallels with previous cases where similar measures led to cooperation from other countries. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: 'Four months later, all three were co-operating.'
The UK government faces pressure to remove foreign-born offenders after they complete their prison sentences, and Ahmed's case has become a high-profile issue in the country.
While no immediate visa restrictions have been announced against Pakistan, the latest comments from the UK indicate that such measures remain under consideration if efforts to deport Ahmed are unsuccessful.
Ahmed’s potential deportation has sparked debate among legal experts and human rights activists, who argue that his long-term residency and contributions to British society should be taken into account.
The country of origin must agree to take these vile criminals back, and that's why we're working across government to explore every option in this case.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesman
Four months later, all three were co-operating.
Catherine Atkinson, Victims’ Minister
