Shabana Mahmood: “It is important to note this does not guarantee his removal from this country.”

I know the thoughts of everyone here are with the victims and survivors of this vile criminal.

This surge in enforcement activity takes us to the highest level in British history. Illegal workers and rogue employers have nowhere to hide.

The public rightly expect us to control who and what enter this country. It is one of the most fundamental duties of the state and remains a top priority for me and the government I serve in.

The 1971 Act provided protections for long-term UK residents but should not be used as a bar against removal in cases like that of Shabir Ahmed.