British ministers have pledged to exhaust all options to deport Shabir Ahmed, the 73-year-old former leader of a grooming gang, from the United Kingdom. Ahmed has had his British citizenship revoked, but his removal to Pakistan is currently blocked due to a 1971 law that protects certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago from deportation.

Health Secretary James Murray acknowledged the legal complexities preventing Ahmed’s expulsion and stated that the government is committed to identifying an effective solution to ensure his removal. Despite losing his citizenship, Ahmed remains in the country, as the statute limits the government’s ability to remove individuals with long-standing ties to the UK under specific conditions.

The move to revoke Ahmed’s citizenship follows his conviction for leading a grooming gang, a case that has drawn significant public and political attention. Ministers have emphasized their commitment to protecting the public and preventing convicted offenders from remaining in the country, even as legal frameworks complicate deportation efforts.

Authorities are currently reviewing options within the existing legal framework to facilitate Ahmed’s departure while complying with the protections afforded by Commonwealth immigration law. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by the government in managing the deportation of convicted criminals whose residency pre-dates legislative changes.

Officials have not disclosed a timeline for potential deportation, but have reiterated that all legal avenues will be pursued to resolve the matter.