Pakistan tells Miliband: We’re not taking back Rochdale grooming gang leader, during first meet
Pakistan has refused Britain’s request to accept Shabir Ahmed, described as the leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, despite efforts by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to secure his deportation. The refusal leaves the Government facing continued legal and practical obstacles in removing Ahmed, who has been stripped of British citizenship but remains protected from deportation by historic legislation.
Ahmed was convicted of 30 child rape offences and released in July after serving 14 years in prison. Pakistan said it had no legal mechanism requiring it to take him, while reports suggested any agreement could involve demands Britain is unlikely to accept; Ahmed is meanwhile electronically tagged, restricted from parts of Oldham and Rochdale, and monitored at a bail hostel.
- Pakistan refuses to accept convicted offender Shabir Ahmed.
- Historic law complicates Britain’s deportation efforts.
- Ahmed remains under extensive supervision after release.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of removal argue that someone convicted of numerous serious child rape offences who no longer holds British citizenship should not remain in Britain if another state can lawfully receive him. They stress public protection, accountability to victims and public confidence that immigration and citizenship rules are meaningful, while accepting that any transfer must comply with due process and international law. On this view, Britain should pursue every lawful diplomatic and legal route to secure Pakistan’s agreement and manage the risk in the meantime.
The case against
Opponents argue that deportation cannot be achieved simply because the offence is grave: a receiving country must have a clear legal basis and consent, and Britain must not create de facto statelessness or evade its own responsibilities through an unworkable citizenship decision. They emphasise that punishment has been served and that any continuing restrictions should be based on lawful risk management, not indefinite exclusion or pressure on another state to accept a person it does not recognise as its national. On this view, the Government should protect the public within the legal framework while respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and international obligations.