The UK Home Minister, Shabana Mahmood, announced plans to amend immigration laws to allow the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, a convicted paedophile and former ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang.Ahmed, who was jailed for 22 years in 2012 for multiple child sexual offences, was released on licence earlier this month.

His dual British-Pakistani citizenship was revoked post-conviction, but existing immigration laws barred his deportation due to his arrival in the UK before 1973.

The proposed amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill would disapply Section 7 of the 1971 Immigration Act for serious criminals, enabling his removal.However, Pakistan must agree to accept him back, and there are indications Islamabad may not comply.Opposition parties have urged the UK government to pressure Pakistan, threatening aid cuts if necessary.The case highlights ongoing debates about balancing national security with human rights and international obligations.