Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation

Lord Jackson of Peterborough Excerpts

Wednesday 8th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

My noble friend asks me about the individual’s management within the prison system, which is a Ministry of Justice responsibility. The individual is on the sex offenders register for life, has been ordered to stay away from victims, is banned from contact with any child or young person, faces strict curfews and restriction zones, and is required to wear an electronic tag. Should he breach his conditions, he will be immediately returned to prison. As I have said in response to other questions, we are urgently examining all options. Nothing is ruled out in the response regarding the deportation. Sadly, the deportation issue relates to the 1971 Act, which was a long time ago, under the Government of Ted Heath. There are Members in this House—I am looking at one now—who were Members of Parliament at that time. It is a long time ago, but we need to examine how we ensure that individuals who have been convicted and face deportation do face the consequences of their actions.

[Lord Jackson of Peterborough (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister has been commendably robust and consistent on this. There are reports in the media today that the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is bringing forward legislation. Can he be more precise on the expected timescale to expedite that legislation? Is his department having discussions with the Government of Pakistan on the issuance of visas? The Pakistani Government have issued a number of, frankly, unnecessarily intemperate comments about colonialism over what is essentially one of their own citizens.

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

We are in discussion with the Pakistan Government at all times. I hope that the noble Lord and the House understand that we keep all options under review and will take whatever action is required to ensure that we deal with this issue. I am not in a position today to answer the points that he has mentioned, but can reaffirm that we keep all options under review.