Politics · 2 July 2026

Rochdale grooming gang leader cannot be deported

Illustration: AI-generated for editorial context. Not photographic evidence.

Shabir Ahmed, a Rochdale grooming gang leader, has been released from prison but cannot be deported to Pakistan despite earlier promises to victims. This is due to a 1971 immigration law protecting Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 and lived here for five years. Victims and politicians are furious, with calls to change the law to allow his removal.

By BriefTea Editorial · 2 July 2026 at 14:20

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

PoliticsAndy Burnham rules out Scottish independence vote while offering more local powers PoliticsPolice Arrest Man Over Your Party Database Dispute BusinessBritish Food and Drink Exports to EU Fall by Over a Third PoliticsSpeaking Skills Get Equal Status to Reading and Writing in Schools PoliticsArmy Chief Says Britons Must Prepare Sacrifices for War PoliticsPipe Bomb Attack Evacuates Homes in North Belfast More politics stories → Browse all stories →