Labour Leaders Deny Personal Intervention in Taylor Swift’s Police Escort Amid Security Concerns

Lisa Nandy has refuted claims that senior Labour members intervened to secure a police escort for Taylor Swift in London. It is believed that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan discussed security arrangements with the police following the thwarting of a bomb threat targeting Swift’s Eras tour in Vienna just days before her concerts.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 11:

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

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan reportedly contacted the Metropolitan Police to request a highly prestigious 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, generally allocated for high-ranking royals and top politicians, due to the significant cost to taxpayers.

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Swift's mother and manager, Andrea, reportedly warned that she would cancel her daughter's three performances unless a police escort was arranged.

Earlier, the artist had to cancel her concerts in Vienna after a thwarted suicide bombing aimed at her Eras tour was uncovered, which the CIA later revealed was planned to potentially claim the lives of tens of thousands of attendees.

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 stated that one would anticipate the involvement of both the home secretary and the mayor in discussions pertaining to a security threat, like the one following the bomb plot in Vienna.

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

The minister noted that Ms. Cooper would have made a "thoughtful decision on the matter and shared her opinion."

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

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

Ms. Nandy emphasized that no politician, including the prime minister, possesses the authority to overrule the police in this situation.

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

He also inquired if any minister had discussions with Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley regarding security measures for Swift, and whether they were presented with concert tickets before or after the security arrangements were decided.

Mr. Cleverly stated that the motorcycle escorts supplied by the Metropolitan Police are not intended for private persons or to assist with traffic for pop stars.

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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.

"They emphasized that for events of this magnitude, it's anticipated that the government, the Mayor's Office, and the Metropolitan Police would collaborate to guarantee safety and security," they stated.

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

Sky News has learned that Mr. Khan and Ms. Cooper did indeed talk about the security plans for the tour. It’s also known that the tickets given to the mayor did not come directly from Swift’s team and were provided prior to any conversations about security.

Stay informed on current events in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

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

"Our approach to decision making involves a comprehensive evaluation of the potential threats, risks, and harms, as well as a detailed consideration of the specific details of each situation."

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

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