Labour Leaders Deny Improper Influence in Taylor Swift’s Police Escort Amid Security Concerns

Lisa Nandy has refuted claims that high-ranking Labour officials intervened on behalf of Taylor Swift for a police escort in London. It is reported that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan discussed Taylor Swift's security with the police following the disruption of a bomb threat in Vienna targeted at her Eras tour just days before her concerts.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 11:

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A government official has refuted claims that senior Labour members directly facilitated a police escort for Taylor Swift to Wembley with emergency lights.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan reportedly contacted the Metropolitan Police to request that they provide an exceptional escort for the superstar during her Wembley Stadium performances in August.

According to The Sun, the Metropolitan Police were hesitant to approve the use of a blue-light escort, which is usually designated for top-ranking royals and key political figures, due to the significant cost burden it imposes on taxpayers.

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Swift's mom and manager, Andrea, reportedly warned that she would cancel her daughter's trio of performances unless they were given a police escort.

Just days earlier, the artist had to cancel her Vienna concerts after a thwarted suicide bombing aimed at her Eras tour, which the CIA later revealed was a plot that could have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphatically denied any misconduct by the Labour government or the Labour mayor of London during an interview with Sky News.

She noted that one would anticipate the involvement of both the home secretary and the mayor in discussions when faced with a security threat like the one seen in the Vienna bomb plot.

"She clarified on Sky News that it is a matter for the police to handle, not the government."

The minister stated that Ms. Cooper likely made a "thoughtful decision on the matter and shared her opinion."

She also mentioned, "Remember, regarding Taylor Swift, the recent cancellation of her concerts in Vienna was due to a significant security concern."

"I firmly deny any allegations of misconduct or improper influence in this matter."

Ms. Nandy stated that no politician, including the prime minister, has the authority to supersede the police in this issue.

Prominent Tory MP James Cleverly, who is presently leading the race for the party's leadership, has penned a letter to the Home Secretary inquiring whether she stepped in to provide "VVIP protection" for Swift.

He also inquired if any minister had communicated with Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley regarding security arrangements for Swift, and whether they were presented with tickets to her concerts either before or after the security decisions were finalized.

Mr. Cleverly stated that the motorcycle escorts from the Met are not intended for private individuals or to assist pop stars with traffic navigation.

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A source from the Home Office informed Sky News that "the decision was made at an operational level by the police."

"Clearly, for events of such magnitude, one would anticipate collaboration among the government, the Mayor's Office, and the Metropolitan Police to guarantee their safe and secure execution," they stated.

A representative for Mr. Khan stated, "We do not discuss the Metropolitan Police's security measures as those are operational decisions made by the police themselves."

Sky News has learned that Mr. Khan and Ms. Cooper talked about the security plans for the tour. It's also known that the tickets given to the mayor were not from Swift's group and were provided prior to any conversations about security.

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A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, "The Met operates independently in its functions."

"Our approach to decision making involves a detailed evaluation of potential threats, risks, and damages, considering the specific details of each situation."

"We have a consistent policy of not discussing the particulars of our security measures."

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