And Pakistan in talks about deporting grooming gang leader

The UK is in talks with Pakistan about deporting Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed after he was released from jail this week. Ahmed, a dual British-Pakistani citizen convicted in 2012 of multiple counts of rape and other sexual offences against girls, had his UK passport stripped following conviction. However, victims were told deportation to Pakistan is barred by a 55-year-old law that prevents his removal. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asked the Home Secretary to review the case after calls to change the law, and Andy Burnham is also expected to support removal efforts. A No 10 spokesperson said the government has raised the issue with counterparts in Islamabad and is exploring options, though receiving-country agreement is required. The BBC reported Ahmed left prison on Thursday and is now in 24-hour staffed accommodation under a GPS tag. The Home Office said breaches would return him to custody, and legislative changes under an Immigration Bill amendment are being considered, but Pakistan has previously refused similar deportation requests.