Peerage title of Nazir Ahmed should be stripped
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Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP Lord Chancellor Ministry of Justice 102 Petty France London SW1H 9AJ United Kingdom 1st February 2022 Dear Mr. Raab, Re: Peerage title of Nazir Ahmed I know you will already be aware that Nazir Ahmed has been found guilty of child sexual abuse offences. I have been contacted by one of his victims, who has been extremely brave in pursuing his case, which has taken many years. He is devasted that Mr. Ahmed can continue with the privilege of calling himself a Lord, which in many respects means that justice has not been fully served. Even though Mr. Ahmed is no longer a member of the House of Lords, he is still able to use his title and so will continue to be associated with it. For this and other reasons, his continued use of the title will bring the House and the Crown into disrepute. I know that Conservative MP, Alexander Stafford, has already started a campaign to strip Mr. Ahmed of his title and understand that this can only happen if the current law is changed. Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) would therefore like to add its voice to this campaign, and to call upon you to propose the necessary amendments to the law. For example, powers could be given to the House of Lords Commissioners for Standards Office to consider requests of title removals on a case by case basis with the appropriate checks and balances. I urge you to act swiftly to ensure that his title is removed as soon as possible, and well before he completes his sentence. Mr. Ahmed is a known figure in Pakistani communities and the concern of MWNUK is that he could use the title to inappropriately exercise influence within diaspora communities as well as in Pakistan. I look forward to hearing from you on this very serious matter. Yours sincerely, Shaista Gohir OBE Executive Director Muslim Women's Network UK |
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