Helen Corbett

The home secretary plans to amend a 1971 law preventing the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader recently released from prison. Ministers are considering emergency legislation or an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill to enable his removal, despite uncertainties over Pakistan’s willingness to accept him after he renounced citizenship. Victims expressed fear over his release and urged legal changes to ensure grooming gang members can be deported.

Local councils will determine whether pubs can extend opening hours for England’s 1 a.m. World Cup match against Mexico, despite government encouragement to approve later closures. Ministers and industry leaders warn that failure to grant temporary event notices could prevent many pubs from showing the game, limiting revenue opportunities. Political figures, including Steve Reed and Max Wilkinson, push for broader licensing flexibility, while Downing Street maintains that decisions rest with councils. Public and political comments reflect widespread interest in accommodating fans for the late‑night match.

Local councils will decide whether pubs can extend opening hours for England’s 1am World Cup match against Mexico after ministers declined to grant a blanket licensing extension. Steve Reed urged authorities to approve late openings, while industry representatives warned that delayed approvals could prevent some pubs from showing the game. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson pressed for nationwide extensions, arguing pubs could lose revenue. Downing Street said the choice rests with councils. Political figures including Thomas Tuchel and Keir Starmer commented on whether children and fans would stay up for the match.